Replace QKD

Technology that does not rely on QKD (Quantum Key Distribution)

QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) : QKD is a technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to transmit secure keys. A secret key shared by users on both ends of the communication is generated and used to perform encrypted communication. QKD offers high security, is capable of long-distance communication, and could play an important role in future information security.

In this way, QKD has the potential to play an important role in future information security, but as shown below, there are various technical and economic challenges to its practical implementation.

Problems with QKD:

  1. High equipment and technology requirements: Quantum key distribution requires specialized quantum communications infrastructure. This requires significant investment and technical expertise.

  2. Limited distance: Effective implementation of quantum key distribution is limited by the distance of communication. When transmitting keys using a physical medium such as fiber optics, the effectiveness of the key decreases over greater distances.

  3. Key security is difficult to guarantee: Quantum key distribution requires verification to ensure key security. Security flaws may exist in the quantum key generation and transmission process.

  4. Infrastructure required: Implementing quantum key distribution requires the creation of new communications infrastructure. This can be time consuming and costly.

Due to these factors, there are various challenges to putting quantum key distribution into practical use.

Although QKD has potential, there are various problems and issues that need to be overcome, and research institutes, governments, and major companies around the world are searching for quantum encryption technology that does not rely on QKD.

Among them, the U.S. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) has decided not to adopt QKD but instead to adopt post-quantum cryptography.

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