Security for Quantum Networks

TL;DR

This paper discusses creating a comprehensive, hardware-independent framework to enhance security in quantum networks by adapting classical security protocols and identifying key security mechanisms for future development.

Contribution

It proposes a novel, comprehensive framework for securing quantum networks, inspired by classical network security models, to guide future hardware-independent security implementations.

Findings

Summarizes current state of quantum network security

Identifies key security challenges and priorities

Proposes a framework inspired by classical models

Abstract

Reliable and efficient functioning of a quantum network depends on identifying and mitigating security risks originating from within and outside the network. We aim to construct a comprehensive framework for developing and assessing secure quantum networks. We articulate issues for making quantum networks secure in general, summarise the state of the art and identify priority directions for further investigation. Our analysis builds on the secure communication protocols developed for classical layered network architectures such as the open-systems interconnection (OSI) model and the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) model. Our work will lead to the development of a hardware-independent framework for securing general quantum networks that allows developers to identify mandatory security mechanisms and incorporate additional security requirements of the clients during design of the networks.