Quantum secure communication using hybrid post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution
Nick Aquina, Simon Rommel, Idelfonso Tafur Monroy
Abstract
Once a cryptographically relevant quantum computer is built, confidential information that is communicated today can be decrypted and exposed. Key exchange methods currently used can then be broken and the key used to protect the data can be recovered. Depending on the duration for which information needs to remain confidential, quantum-safe solutions have to be used now to protect data transmitted today. In this paper, we review recent advances in integrating the combination of two different quantum-safe solutions, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), in existing protocols. We also combine classical cryptography, PQC and QKD to securely exchange a key that remains secure even if only one of the three key exchange methods is secure. This is one of the first steps to update existing communication methods such that they remain secure even if only one of PQC, QKD or classical cryptography is secure.