Electromagnetic side-channel attack risk assessment on a practical quantum-key-distribution receiver based on multi-class classification

John Pantoja, Victor A. Bucheli, Ross J. Donaldson*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

While quantum key distribution (QKD) is a theoretically secure way of growing quantum-safe encryption keys, many practical implementations are challenged due to various open attack vectors, resulting in many variations of QKD protocols. Side channels are one such vector that allows a passive or active eavesdropper to obtain QKD information leaked through practical devices. This paper assesses the feasibility and implications of extracting the raw secret key from far-field radiated emissions from the single-photon avalanche diodes used in a BB84 QKD quad-detector receiver. Enhancement of the attack was also demonstrated through the use of deep-learning model to distinguish radiated emissions due to the four polarized encoding states. To evaluate the severity of such side-channel attack, multi-class classification based on raw-data and pre-processed data is implemented and assessed. Results show that classifiers based on both raw-data and pre-processed features can discern variations of the electromagnetic emissions caused by specific orientations of the detectors within the receiver with an accuracy higher than 90%. This research proposes machine learning models as a technique to assess EM information leakage risk of QKD and highlights the feasibility of side-channel attacks in the far-field region, further emphasizing the need to utilise mechanisms to avoid electromagnetic radiation information leaks and measurement-device-independent QKD protocols.
Original languageEnglish
Article number78
JournalEPJ Quantum Technology
Volume11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Nov 2024

Keywords

  • Electromagnetic security
  • Information leakage
  • Quantum communication
  • Quantum key distribution
  • Side channel attack
  • Single-photon avalanche diode
  • Single-photon detector

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