Hannes Hübel

We present data from a medical use-case demonstration from the OpenQKD project. The demonstration combined QKD with Secret Sharing to secure medical data both in transit and at rest. The network with 4 nodes and 4 links was running for more than two months in a deployed inner-city fiber network.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) promises unprecedented security based on the principles of quantum mechanics. However, practical implementations of QKD systems are susceptible to various side-channel and implementation attacks that can compromise their security. We presents a comprehensive overview of the literature on side channels and implementation attacks on QKD systems, a systematic categorization of different attack vectors and proposed counter measures and analysis of their impact on security. Furthermore, we propose a structured approach for developing standardized tests to evaluate the robustness of QKD systems against these vulnerabilities. Our work aims to bridge the gap between theoretical security and practical implementation, providing a roadmap for future certification of QKD products to be deployed within the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI).

Quantum random number generators (QRNG) are a well-studied quantum resource for information and communication technologies. Offering the randomness derived from quantum mechanical principles, QRNGs will replace current technologies of pseudo random number generation. However, prices and form factors must come down, if this technology is to feed mobile or IoT devices in the future. We present a step in this direction by realizing a QRNG in the polymer-based photonic integration platform PolyBoard.

The OPENQKD project is currently the largest QKD-focused initiative in Europe comprising of 38 partners. The project brings together a multidisciplinary team of the leading European telecommunication equipment manufacturers, end-users and critical infrastructure providers, network operators, QKD equipment providers, digital security professionals and scientists from 13 countries to reinforce Europe’s position at the forefront of quantum communication capabilities globally. We present here the first deployment results from selected testbeds, list the demonstration sites and associated use cases. We will also provide an overview of the QKD devices built for the project and a timetable for the future deployments.