ISG QKD

Specification of interfaces, implementation security requirements and optical characterisation of QKD systems and their components, enabling robust deployable solutions to protect next-generation telecommunications.

The development of large-scale quantum computers represents a potential threat to the majority of public-key cryptography systems in use today. Complementing the security offered by Post-Quantum Cryptographic (PQC) algorithms, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a quantum-safe security technique where shared random secret keys are generated by using the quantum properties of optical signals.

QKD can be included in layered cybersecurity strategies for organisations that are looking to protect their infrastructure with truly quantum safe solutions that aren’t solely reliant on public key infrastructures. Diversification with such a complimentary technique based on a fundamentally different operating principle can add protection against residual risks in post-quantum public key solutions.

Key areas of work

Optical characterisation

Optical components, complete QKD modules, penetration testing.

Security

Implementation security, evaluation activities, protocol security proofs, authentication.

Vocabulary

Improving and aligning use of terminology.

Interoperability

Application/key delivery interfaces, Interoperable Key Management Service (KMS) interfaces, nNetwork architectures, QKD in Software Defined Networks (SDNs).

What we do
- Develop ETSI Group Specifications and Group Reports specifying and describing quantum cryptography for ICT networks.
- Create standardised solutions enabling digital keys to be shared privately without relying on computational complexity. The security offered by QKD will not be vulnerable to future advances in algorithms, computational power or the emergence of a quantum computer.
- Bring together important actors from science, industry and commerce to address standardisation issues in quantum cryptography and associated quantum technologies.
- Work in close co-operation with relevant standards activities within and outside ETSI.
- Participate as a key contributor to major quantum related events, principally the annual ETSI/IQC (Institute for Quantum Computing) Quantum Safe Cryptography Conference.
Explore our Work Programme