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With reference to Quantum technologies, consider the following statements regarding Quantum Key Distribution (QKD):
  1. Unlike classical encryption, QKD is resistant to physical man-in-the-middle attacks.
  2. In India, ISRO has made a breakthrough demonstration of free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2 
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
With reference to Quantum technologies, consider the following stateme...
Introduction:
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a cryptographic protocol that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to establish a secure key between two parties. It provides a method for secure communication by exploiting the inherent properties of quantum mechanics. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in QKD technology, including free-space QKD demonstrations by ISRO in India.

Statement 1: Unlike classical encryption, QKD is resistant to physical man-in-the-middle attacks.
Explanation:
Classical encryption relies on mathematical algorithms and keys to secure communication. However, it is vulnerable to attacks by eavesdroppers who can intercept and analyze the transmitted data. A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of attack where an attacker intercepts and alters the communication between two parties without their knowledge.

QKD, on the other hand, uses the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure the security of the key exchange process. It relies on the fundamental properties of quantum mechanics, such as the uncertainty principle and the no-cloning theorem, to detect any eavesdropping attempts. By encoding information in quantum states, QKD allows the detection of any unauthorized interception of the key. Therefore, QKD is resistant to physical man-in-the-middle attacks.

Statement 2: In India, ISRO has made a breakthrough demonstration of free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
Explanation:
ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, has indeed made significant progress in the field of QKD. In 2017, ISRO successfully demonstrated a free-space QKD system over a distance of 300 meters. This demonstration was a breakthrough as it showcased the feasibility of QKD in space, which has the potential to enable secure communication between satellites and ground stations.

The free-space QKD demonstration by ISRO utilized a transmitter and a receiver located in separate buildings. The key exchange was achieved using photons, which were transmitted through the atmosphere. The successful demonstration validated the feasibility and potential of QKD technology in real-world scenarios.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct statement is option 'B' - "2 only." QKD is indeed resistant to physical man-in-the-middle attacks due to its reliance on the principles of quantum mechanics. ISRO has made a breakthrough demonstration of free-space QKD, showcasing its potential for secure communication in space. The advancements in QKD technology hold promise for future applications in secure communication systems.
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Community Answer
With reference to Quantum technologies, consider the following stateme...
  • Recently, an indigenously developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution by C-DOT which can support a distance of more than 100 kilometres on standard optical fiber has been unveiled. 
  • The development of indigenous QKD solutions is essential to address the threat that rapid advancement in Quantum Computing poses to the security of the data being transported by various critical sectors through the current communication networks. 
  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a mechanism for agreeing encryption keys between remote parties, relying on the properties of quantum mechanics to ensure that the key has not been observed or tampered with in transit. 
  • Since traditional public-key cryptography algorithms may be vulnerable to a future large-scale quantum computer, new approaches are required that do not share this vulnerability. 
  • QKD claims to offer potential mitigation since its security properties are based on the laws of physics rather than the hardness of some underlying mathematical problems. 
  • QKD protocols provide a mechanism for two remote parties to agree a shared secret key, where the key cannot be observed or tampered with by an adversary without alerting the original parties. 
  • However, because QKD protocols do not provide authentication, they are vulnerable to physical manin-the-middle attacks in which an adversary can agree individual shared secret keys with two parties who believe they are communicating with each other. Hence statement 1 is not correct. 
  • For this reason, QKD protocols must be deployed alongside cryptographic mechanisms that ensure authentication. 
  • These cryptographic mechanisms must also be secure against the quantum threat. 
  • In March 2021, for the first time in the country, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300 m. Hence statement 2 is correct.
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With reference to Quantum technologies, consider the following statements regarding Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Unlike classical encryption, QKD is resistant to physical man-in-the-middle attacks. In India, ISRO has made a breakthrough demonstration of free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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