Breaking a quantum key distribution system through a timing side channel

Abstract

The security of quantum key distribution relies on the validity of quantum mechanics as a description of nature and on the non-existence of leaky degrees of freedom in the practical implementations. We experimentally demonstrate how, in some implementations, timing information revealed during public discussion between the communicating parties can be used by an eavesdropper to undetectably access a significant portion of the ``secret'' key.

6 pages, 4 figures. Added additional references and extended analysis. Identical to published version

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• Robust countermeasure against detector control attack in practical quantum key distribution system
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• An Overview of the State of the Art for Practical Quantum Key Distribution
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• A wide-range wavelength-tunable photon-pair source for characterizing single-photon detectors
• Strong light illumination on gain-switched semiconductor lasers helps the eavesdropper in practical quantum key distribution systems
• Countering detector manipulation attacks in quantum communication through detector self-testing
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