New Quantum Key Distribution Breakthrough Improves Communication Security

Fully Passive Quantum Key Distribution

Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses quantum mechanics to generate and distribute cryptographic keys that cannot be intercepted or cloned, making communication extremely secure. It has attracted worldwide interest because it promises information-theoretical security, which is the ultimate goal of communication security. However, the sources and detectors in the system can have side channels, which are vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers to compromise security. Although detector side channels have been addressed, source side channels have remained a challenge until recently.