Quantum key distribution research report
A study on quantum key distribution (QKD) technology and its cyber security implications.
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Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a method for generating and distributing cryptographic keys using quantum-mechanical effects. It is recognised by HM Government as a valuable approach to providing near-term commercial opportunities for quantum companies, and to allow government, researchers and industry to acquire the operational learnings required to build the future quantum networking sector.
In addition, some commentators in academia and industry believe that QKD may provide one approach to partly address the risk from the future capability of quantum computers to break current encryption methods. Some highlight technical risks and challenges to deployment.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) commissioned this independent study by Technopolis. The objective is to assess whether any policy measures may be appropriate to protect UK networks that use, or will use, QKD, while enabling them to take advantage of the technology’s cyber security capabilities.
This is part of the government’s wider work to understand the cyber security implications of emerging technologies, and to support improvement of the UK’s cyber resilience.
Please note that this is independent research and does not reflect government policy. The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advises post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as the preferred approach to post-quantum security and does not support the use of QKD for government or military applications.