Segmented Quantum Key Distribution for Post-Quantum Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional authentication techniques, including multi-factor authentication with strong encryption, are vulnerable to quantum computing attacks and may not provide sufficient security in a post-quantum era.
Innovation Solution
The use of quantum key distribution through segmented quantum computing environments to generate and manage encryption keys and authorization tokens, ensuring secure authentication and authorization by performing quantum computations within independent and ephemeral computing environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional authentication techniques with strong encryption are used, then authentication security is maintained, but vulnerability to quantum computing attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of encryption from classical cryptographic algorithms to quantum-key-based encryption. By using quantum key distribution and quantum random number generation, the system achieves post-quantum security while maintaining authentication reliability. The quantum random numbers serve as encryption keys that are computationally impossible to guess or intercept.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical classical encryption system with a quantum mechanical system. Instead of using mathematical complexity for security, the system uses quantum physical principles (superposition, entanglement, and quantum random number generation) to create encryption keys that are fundamentally secure against quantum attacks.
2Reliability
If quantum key distribution through segmented quantum computing environments is implemented, then security against quantum attacks is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the quantum computing system into separate segmented environments - a first segmented quantum computing environment for generating quantum random numbers and encryption keys, and a second segmented quantum computing environment for authentication operations. This segmentation isolates quantum operations from classical systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces quantum random number generators as intermediary components that bridge classical authentication systems and quantum security. These generators create quantum encryption keys that can be used by classical systems without requiring them to directly handle quantum states, thereby simplifying the integration of quantum security into existing infrastructure.
3Reliability
If quantum computations are performed in independent segmented environments, then key manipulation and eavesdropping risks are reduced, but computational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs quantum random number generation and encryption key creation as preliminary actions in the first segmented quantum computing environment before the actual authentication operation occurs in the second environment. This preliminary preparation ensures that secure keys are ready in advance without interfering with the main authentication computational tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the quantum computing environments, the patent allows different computational tasks to proceed in parallel - key generation in one environment and authentication operations in another. This segmentation enables optimized computational efficiency for each specific task while maintaining the security benefits of independent processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for authenticating and authorizing users using quantum key distribution through segmented quantum computing environments. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a first and second plaintext data input from a first party and from a second party, respectively; applying a quantum computation translation operation to the first and second plaintext data inputs to generate a corresponding first sequence of quantum computations and a second sequence of quantum computations; implementing the first and second sequence of quantum computations in a first and second segmented quantum computing environment, respectively, to obtain a first and second sequence of measurement results; generating a first and second encryption key using the first and second sequence of measurement results, respectively, and an encrypted authorization token using the second encryption key; and sending the first encryption key to the first party, and the encrypted authorization token to the second party.