Quantum-Safe Networking via Quantum Reference Locators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryptographic protocols are vulnerable to quantum computer attacks, compromising the security of transactions and data, particularly with the advent of universal quantum computers, which can easily crack classical encryption methods, necessitating a robust and cost-effective quantum-safe solution for secure communication and data storage.
Innovation Solution
A system combining Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks with a data distribution layer using distributed ledger technology, shared ledger technology, or cloud storage, employing hardware security modules and quantum-safe key distribution to ensure secure communication and storage through quantum reference locators and access tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cryptographic protocols are used, then current security requirements are met, but security against quantum computer attacks is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a quantum reference locator (QREF) as an intermediary mechanism that bridges conventional cryptographic systems and quantum-safe security requirements. The QREF stores quantum-safe cryptographic keys in a distributed ledger, allowing existing cryptographic protocols to operate while maintaining quantum-resistant security through the intermediary layer of quantum-safe key management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cryptographic security system into multiple layers: conventional cryptographic protocols for current operations, quantum-safe key distribution for key generation, and distributed ledger technology for secure key storage. This segmentation allows each layer to address specific security requirements without requiring complete system replacement
2Reliability
If quantum-safe cryptographic methods are implemented, then security against quantum attacks is improved, but cost and implementation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal quantum reference locator system that can serve multiple cryptographic protocols and applications through a single quantum-safe key distribution infrastructure. The distributed ledger-based QREF system provides multi-functional support for various cryptographic operations, reducing the need for separate quantum-safe implementations for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses distributed ledger technology to create replicated copies of quantum-safe cryptographic keys across multiple nodes. This copying mechanism ensures security through redundancy while distributing implementation costs across the network infrastructure rather than requiring expensive centralized quantum-safe hardware at every location
3Reliability
If quantum key distribution is used, then key exchange security is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the quantum reference locator as an intermediary that mediates between quantum key distribution and conventional cryptographic systems. The QREF stores quantum-distributed keys in a distributed ledger, allowing quantum key distribution to provide enhanced security without requiring direct integration of complex quantum infrastructure into every system component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the quantum infrastructure requirements from the core cryptographic protocol and places them in a separate, dedicated quantum reference locator system. This extraction allows quantum-safe key distribution to be implemented independently and accessed by conventional systems through standardized interfaces, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Method(s), system(s), apparatus are provided for storing one or more data item(s) in a quantum-safe (QS) network. The QS network comprising one or more QS server(s) and a repository for storing and accessing said data item(s). Each QS server comprising a hardware security module (HSM) for storing an identical set of quantum distributed (QD) keys. The identical set of QD keys having been distributed to each of said QS server(s) in a quantum-safe manner. The QS server(s) are configured to communicate securely with each other and the repository using one or more available QD keys from the identical set of QD keys. A QS server performs generating a quantum reference (QREF) locator based on input data associated with a data item for storage and an available QD key selected from the set of QD keys, and sending the QREF locator along with the data item encrypted with the available QD key to the repository for storage.