Leverage Top-Notch, Quantum-Safe Security across Your Network
To upgrade your existing network to a quantum-safe network, you’ll need a dedicated and reliable Quantum Key Management System (Q-KMS).
This essential software layer, positioned above the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system layer, is vital in comprehensive quantum cybersecurity ecosystems to ensure end-to-end, post-quantum data communication security.
Key Exchange Service
To transform your current network into a quantum-safe network, a dedicated and reliable Quantum Key Management System (Q-KMS) is required. This software layer above the QKD system layer plays a critical role in holistic, quantum cyber-security ecosystems to guarantee end-to-end Post Quantum data communication security.
Quantum-Safe Data Communication
As the day that Quantum Computing can break public-key cryptography is approaching and “Hack Now, Decrypt Later” (HNDL) attacks are already being conducted today, the world’s cybersecurity foundations are going through a paradigm shift.
In this context, it is crucial that we transform our current network infrastructure to make it quantum-safe already today.
Making quantum Security Networks a Reality with No Delay
To achieve quantum-safe security, governments and enterprises are turning to Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) — the only proven long-term solution available today that is compatible with existing telecommunication infrastructure.
QKD is by essence a point-to-point solution, whether it’s based on fiber optic deployment or free space. Fiber-based deployments can typically cover distances up to 100 to 150 kilometers before a hardware relay node is required. Satellite QKD technology, which is still under development, will cover longer distances and will need to be connected to the fiber optic infrastructure. Therefore, keys need to be intelligently and efficiently routed throughout the network and an additional layer is required to go beyond the optical point-to-point layer.
What Is a Key Management System in the Quantum World?
A Quantum Key Management System (Q-KMS) is a networking framework to route symmetric cryptographic keys between users, as opposed to conventional KMS that are more centralized solution that store, distribute, and manage life cycle of mostly asymmetric cryptographic keys.
The Q-KMS is a layer between the QKD point-to-point system and the applications that consume keys.
Why Use a Quantum Key Management System?
Originally, QKD was used in simple point-to-point configurations, which restricts use cases and market adoption. However, there are no quantum-safe networks without Q-KMS. This layer enables organizations to deploy quantum-safe solutions in a cost-effective and efficient way on top of an existing telecommunication infrastructure.
The Q-KMS is a central piece of software that allows to extend QKD networks beyond point-to-point: it acts as the glue of the QKD network and ensures long-distance reach of the Quantum keys through the QKD network. This network can be managed with standard communication network technologies, such as Software Defined Networking (SDN).
How Does a Quantum Key Management System Work?
Its main role is to leverage QKD keys to securely transfer symmetric consumer keys over long distances. This layer is also responsible for managing and ensuring the quality of service whatever happens in the QKD layer. It can automatically provide customers with keys, either via redundant path, a key buffer, or a redundant KMS when applicable.
In summary the role of the Q-KMS is as follows:
- Provide keys to the Key consumers in the Secure Application Layer.
- Extend the Quantum Secure Network beyond the point-to-point restriction of the QKD Layer.
- Be able to communicate with other KMS networks.
- Retrieve Quantum Keys from the QKD Layer.
ID Quantique’s Q-KMS implements open standards on most interface:
- Easy to control and orchestrate via SDN
- IDQ’s Q-KMS supports one of the largest sets of QKD Key consumers
- Support multi Q-KMS networks
About ID Quantique
ID Quantique (IDQ), founded in 2001, initially operated as a spin-off company of the University of Geneva, working on research projects to demonstrate the feasibility of quantum key distribution (or QKD, also known as quantum cryptography). In late 2003, IDQ developed the first QKD product for data centers to protect data in transit. 20 years later, IDQ released its 4th generation of quantum key distribution systems and remains the market leader in quantum safe cryptography and quantum sensing solutions. It maintains close ties with academic institutions by participating in numerous research programs and plays a leading role in cutting-edge projects to drive innovation to the market.
To request more information or a quotation for any ID Quantique products, contact IL Photonics.