Quantum-secured Communication

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a method and system for highly secure communication using quantum key distribution (QKD) to generate and share cryptographic keys between two quantum-enabled hardware security modules (qHSMs). After establishing a secret key via a temporary quantum channel, the modules use symmetric encryption to communicate over conventional (non-quantum) channels. The quantum channel is only needed during initial key exchange, allowing secure communication across arbitrary distances, and without requiring live quantum infrastructure for ongoing communications.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Banking and financial transaction systems requiring ultra-high security for data transmissions
• Government, military, or intelligence agency communications
• Securing critical infrastructure (e.g., energy, water, transportation) control networks
• Medical or healthcare data transmission between institutions
• Quantum-safe VPN or secure messaging for corporations
• Distributed industrial networks and supply chain communications
• Mobile secure communications in the field (e.g., diplomatic or military scenarios)
• Long-distance secure datacenter connectivity

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides information-theoretic (quantum) security for symmetric key generation, making communications secure even against quantum computers
• Eliminates need for live or continuous quantum channels after initial setup, reducing infrastructure cost and complexity
• Enables secure communication over arbitrary distances, overcoming typical distance limitations of QKD
• Secures cryptographic keys within tamper-resistant hardware, reducing exposure to side-channel attacks
• Allows for rapid session key rotation with minimal overhead, improving overall security against cryptanalysis
• Scalable—many hardware modules can be paired using a single quantum link during provisioning
• Supports extension and reconfiguration of secure networks (even in mobile or remote deployments)
• By not relying on public key infrastructure for long-term security, the solution is resilient to compromised future cryptanalysis or advances in quantum computation

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Method for quantum-secured communication using following encryption protocol: - Providing a pair of quantum-enabled hardware security modules (qHSM), comprising an interface to a temporarily common quantum channel, and an interface to a conventional communication channel, - Sharing a secret key (Q) with both quantum-enabled hardware security modules (qHSM) for a symmetrical encryption between both modules, wherein the secret key (Q) is obtained using quantum key distribution (100) via the common quantum channel, - Disconnecting the common quantum channel from at least one of the quantum- enabled hardware security modules (qHSM), and - Providing a communication network in which at least two nodes communicate using symmetrical encryption between the pair of quantum-enabled hardware security modules (qHSM) sharing the same secret key (Q).