A Proof of the Security of Quantum Key Distribution

TL;DR

This paper rigorously proves the security of quantum key distribution (QKD) against any possible attack within the laws of physics, ensuring unconditionally secure communication.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive proof of QKD security under the most general attack models, including unlimited computational power of eavesdroppers.

Findings

QKD is secure against all attacks allowed by physics.

The security proof applies even with an eavesdropper having unlimited resources.

Secure keys generated can be used for future unbreakable communication.

Abstract

We prove the security of quantum key distribution against the most general attacks which can be performed on the channel, by an eavesdropper who has unlimited computation abilities, and the full power allowed by the rules of classical and quantum physics. A key created that way can then be used to transmit secure messages in a way that their security is also unaffected in the future.