Light Quantum Key Distribution Network Security Estimation Tool

Quantum key distribution offers a way to create and distribute secure encryption keys based on the laws of quantum physics, which means that these protocols are secure even in the presence of an adversary with unlimited computing power. These keys can be forwarded over several hops in quantum key distribution networks (QKDN). At the moment, any established solutions to assess the security of these networks don’t exist. This paper describes a concept of light tool for security status estimation, which provides a holistic estimation of quantum key distribution network systems’ security status, especially concentrating in quantum issues that might not arise when assessing classical networks. Our approach is to make high abstraction level questions concerning the status of specific security issues. Rather than providing detailed questions, we try to reach a holistic view of QKDN security, where the questions will also guide the future security development. We present sets of questions which concern different areas of quantum key distribution network security. With the help of these questions, we offer a high-abstraction level tool for estimating the security of quantum key distribution networks.