A Review and Proposal for Security in the Quantum Age [QCT21/22, Seminar #1]

By Helene Burghoff.

Abstract: The current security status quo in online communications, TLS, makes use of algorithms which rely on computational complexity. As computing capabilities increase, these mechanisms show severe sensibilities: key exchange and identity authentication being particularly vulnerable. While industry leaders and researchers have begun updating protocols to include quantum-resistant algorithms, we must recognise that with the increasing power of quantum computers computational complexity, or in fact conditional security more generally, will no longer suffice.

In this thesis I argue that we should push for information theoretic security through a quantum internet as soon as we can. In particular, I examine the schemes that could replace our vulnerable classical TLS ciphers: quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum identity authentication (QIA). While research and investment in QKD is heavy and ongoing, QIA has gotten less attention. This thesis suggests that developing information theoretically secure QKD and QIA protocols will be the cornerstone to reliable secure online exchanges in the future.

Biography: Helene completed the quantum computing program at UPM in 2022, prior to which she did her bachelor in business administration and master in software design. Helene has several years of experience in project management at a fintech scale-up, and is now working at Accenture in technology strategy consulting. Her thesis is focused on security and the quantum internet, and at Accenture Helene continues to advocate for an increased awareness in industry around post-quantum security topics.