Description:Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a novel system combining quantum cryptography and classical cryptography for secure communication. It provides an efficient three-party authenticated key distribution protocol using quantum key distribution mechanisms and classical cryptographic techniques, offering resistance to replay and passive attacks while ensuring secure session key distribution and user authentication.
Background of the Invention
In today's rapidly evolving landscape of communication and data exchange, the security and confidentiality of transmitted information are critical concerns. Traditional cryptographic systems have long been employed to protect data during transmission, but they are facing increasing vulnerabilities against advanced cyber threats and the emergence of quantum computing.
Conventional cryptographic methods, such as public-key encryption and symmetric-key encryption, have formed the backbone of secure communication for decades. While these techniques have been effective to a large extent, they rely on mathematical algorithms that could potentially be broken by quantum computers. The rise of quantum computing poses a significant threat to the security of conventional cryptographic systems, as quantum computers could quickly factor large numbers and compromise encryption keys.
Additionally, conventional cryptographic systems are susceptible to advanced cyber threats, such as sophisticated attacks on digital signatures and man-in-the-middle attacks. These vulnerabilities make it crucial to explore alternative approaches that can provide higher levels of security.
Over the years, several quantum key distribution protocols (QKDPs) have been proposed to facilitate secure communication. One of the earliest and most influential works in this field was by Charles H. Bennett and Gilles Brassard, who introduced a groundbreaking QKDP in their patent (U.S. Patent No. 4,472,476). Their protocol utilized the uncertainty of quantum measurement and four qubit states to securely distribute session keys between legitimate participants.
Another significant advancement came from Artur Ekert, who patented a quantum key distribution protocol (U.S. Patent No. 5,307,410) based on Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) pairs. This protocol allowed participants to establish a session key without initially sharing secret keys, assuming the participants were well-authenticated.
Despite the significant advancements achieved by prior QKDPs, they still had limitations concerning key distribution and user authentication. Some protocols required multiple communication rounds between a trusted center (TC) and the participants, leading to increased complexity and potential vulnerabilities. Other protocols faced challenges in detecting passive attacks, such as eavesdropping, which could compromise the security of the key distribution process.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention introduces a groundbreaking system that combines quantum cryptography with classical cryptography to establish highly secure and authenticated communication between a sender and receiver. By leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics, the proposed system ensures unbreakable key distribution, offering enhanced security against quantum computing threats. Integrating classical cryptographic techniques enables efficient key verification and user authentication while detecting security threats during session key verification. This novel approach represents a significant advancement in secure communication technologies, safeguarding sensitive information in the rapidly evolving landscape of advanced cyber threats and quantum computing.
Brief Description of Drawings
The invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures wherein:
Figure 1 Pictorial Representation of Key Distribution Phase
Figure 2 Representation of Object Interaction Diagram
Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention provides a detailed description of a novel system that combines quantum cryptography with classical cryptography to establish highly secure and authenticated communication between a sender and receiver. In this rapidly evolving landscape of communication and data exchange, ensuring the security and confidentiality of transmitted information is of paramount importance. Conventional cryptographic systems have been widely employed to protect data during transmission, but they face inherent vulnerabilities against advanced cyber threats and the emerging potential of quantum computing.
Quantum cryptography emerges as a revolutionary solution to address these challenges by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics. The proposed system aims to overcome the limitations of prior quantum key distribution protocols (QKDPs) and offer a more robust and efficient approach to secure communication.
In prior art, significant innovations have been made in the field of quantum cryptography. Notably, Bennett and Brassard introduced a QKDP (U.S. Patent No. 4,472,476) that utilized the uncertainty of quantum measurement and four qubit states to securely distribute session keys between legitimate participants. This approach provided enhanced security compared to classical cryptographic systems but still had limitations regarding key distribution and user authentication. Similarly, Eckert's QKDP (U.S. Patent No. 5,307,410) based on Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) pairs allowed participants to establish a session key without initially sharing secret keys. However, this method relied on the assumption of well-authenticated participants, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.
The proposed invention seeks to overcome these limitations and enhance the security of communication through a unique combination of quantum and classical cryptography. By integrating the advantages of both techniques, the system provides authenticated secure communication between the sender and receiver.
The core idea of the proposed system is to utilize a three-party quantum key distribution protocol (3AQKDP) with implicit user authentication. During the setup phase, every participant shares a secret key with a trusted center (TC) either by direct contact or through other means. This preshared secret key forms the basis of secure communication.
In the distribution phase of the 3AQKDP, users preshared secret keys with the TC and agree on the polarization bases of qubits based on the preshared secret key. The key distribution phase enables secure session key distribution and establishes authenticated communication channels between the sender and receiver.
The combination of quantum cryptography with classical cryptography offers several advantages. Firstly, the system is virtually unhackable due to the security provided by the principles of quantum mechanics. The use of quantum key distribution ensures that eavesdropping is detected, and the data cannot be accessed without alerting the sender and receiver.
Secondly, the proposed system simplifies the process of key verification and user authentication. By leveraging classical cryptographic techniques, participants can efficiently verify the correctness and freshness of the session key without the need for additional communication rounds.
Moreover, the system can detect security threats during session key verification, offering an added layer of protection against potential attacks. The identification of security threats in the session key enhances the overall security of the communication process. Furthermore, the proposed system allows for the use of long-term preshared secret keys between the TC and participants, providing a more efficient and robust key distribution mechanism. This eliminates the need for repeated sharing of secret keys, reducing the overhead and complexity of the communication process.
In conclusion, the present invention introduces a cutting-edge system that combines quantum cryptography with classical cryptography to establish highly secure and authenticated communication between a sender and receiver. By leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics and integrating classical cryptographic techniques, the proposed system overcomes the limitations of prior quantum key distribution protocols. It offers enhanced security, efficient key verification, and user authentication while detecting security threats during session key verification. This groundbreaking approach represents a significant advancement in secure communication technologies, safeguarding sensitive information in the face of advanced cyber threats and the potential emergence of quantum computing.
Equivalents
The embodiments given are illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. Modifications, changes, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art and should be considered within the scope of patent protection as defined by the appendix to the claims and their balance.
4 Claims & 2 Figures , Claims:The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims:
Claim:
1. A quantum cryptography system for providing authenticated secure communication between a sender and receiver, comprising:
a) A Three-Party Quantum Key Distribution Protocol (3AQKDP) with implicit user authentication, facilitating confidentiality for legitimate users and mutual authentication after secure communication using a session key.
b) A setup phase and distribution phase for three-party authentication with secure session key distribution, wherein communication between the sender and receiver occurs over a trusted center.
c) Quantum mechanisms employed in the distribution of session keys and public discussions to detect eavesdroppers and verify session key correctness.
d) Prevention of man-in-the-middle attacks and resistance against replay and passive attacks, ensuring secure key distribution and verification.
2. The quantum cryptography system of claim 1, wherein the Three-Party Quantum Key Distribution Protocols are based on Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) pairs, eliminating the need for participants to initially share secret keys and the requirement for a trusted center. the Three-Party Quantum Key Distribution Protocol with implicit user authentication ensures confidentiality for legitimate users and mutual authentication after secure communication using a session key.
3. The quantum cryptography system of claim 1, wherein the Three-Party Quantum Key Distribution Protocol with explicit user authentication enables mutual understanding between the sender and receiver with authentication from a trusted center.
4. The quantum cryptography system of claim 1, wherein the combination of classical and quantum cryptography improves key verification and secure communication while identifying and removing extra byte content received from the network, reducing network noise in message transmission.