Quantum Communications for Security and Quantum Computing
Simulation results showed that QKD protocols such as BB84 and E91 significantly bolster network resilience. BB84 demonstrated a Key Distribution Rate( KDR) of 98.5 % with low Bit Error Rates( BER) under normal operation, but detected quantum-based attacks like photon number splitting through elevated Quantum Bit Error Rates( QBER). E91 outperformed BB84 in robustness, maintaining a lower QBER(~ 1 %) even under adversarial conditions, making it particularly suitable for securing long-haul and sensitive telecom links.
Notably, the study found that combining QKD with machine learning created a dual-layered security framework: quantum cryptography ensures key confidentiality at the physical layer, while Machine Learning-based detection provided adaptive protection against evolving networklevel attacks. While the researchers said challenges remain, including QKD’ s distance limitations, high infrastructure costs, and integration into legacy telecom systems, the study supported the hypothesis surrounding QKD’ s potential in telecommunications environments.
Strategic recommendations emphasized phased deployment starting with critical nodes( e. g. 5G core networks), adoption of satellite-based QKD to bypass fiber distance constraints, and investment in quantum-secure ML anomaly detection platforms to future-proof telecommunication infrastructures.
5 CONCLUSION
The advent of quantum computing threatens the security of today ' s cryptographic algorithms, making the transition to post-quantum cryptography( PQC) an urgent priority [ 30 ]. Historically, such migrations can take 10 to 20 years due to the complexity of updating products, procurement processes, and infrastructures. Despite the absence of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer today, the“ harvest now, decrypt later” threat means encrypted data is already at risk.
Thus, proactive adoption of PQC in conjunction with a quantum-ready defense such as QKD is critical. While the scale of this transition is unprecedented, it benefits from early awareness and strong collaboration between public and private sectors. This coordinated effort, guided by NIST’ s roadmap and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, aims to ensure a secure and resilient cryptographic foundation for the quantum future.
Combining both PQC and QKD in a hybrid approach can enhance both security and efficiency, whether they’ re used in tandem in a network or used alternatively based on the security threat or application. This fusion of classical and quantum cryptography could lead to more secure, efficient, and private digital services, playing a vital role in advancing quantum data centers and the quantum internet.
6 REFERENCES
[ 1 ] Prisco, J.,“ PQC Standards Are Here: Now What?”, Forbes Technology Council, Sept. 17, 2024, https:// www. forbes. com / councils / forbestechcouncil / 2024 / 09 / 17 / pqc-standardsare-here-now-what /
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