Abstract

As online identity thefts and credit card frauds grow, new solutions need to be developed in order to protect the users’ privacy and guarantee secure communication at all levels. Vulnerabilities associated with either static or easily predictable cryptographic keys can be overcome using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols to generate and distribute random keys between two parties while allowing the detection of a potential eavesdropper. New photonic technologies could boost the emergence of miniaturized QKD modules and their integration in all mobile devices. The users could thus top up a new key at dedicated stations (e.g. ATMs), and consume it directly for secure wireless transactions or store it for future online authentication.

© 2015 IEEE