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Combining a quantum random number generator and quantum-resistant algorithms into the GnuGPG open-source software

  • Francesco Raffaelli , Robert Denman , Richard Collins , Jean-Charles Faugere , Gaetano De Martino , Charles Shaw , Jake Kennard , Philip Sibson , Ludovic Perret and Chris Erven ORCID logo EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: October 22, 2019
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Advanced Optical Technologies
From the journal Advanced Optical Technologies Volume 9 Issue 5

Abstract

The “quantum threat” to our current, convenient cryptographic algorithms is getting closer, with demonstrable progress by commercial quantum computing efforts. It is now more important than ever that we combine all of our tools into a new quantum-safe toolbox to develop the next generation of quantum-safe networking solutions. Here we combine an integrated quantum entropy source with quantum-resistant algorithms in the GnuGPG open-source software; leading to a fully quantum-safe version of GnuGPG. The quantum entropy source itself is capable of a raw rate of randomness in excess of 10 Gbps. After post-processing, quantum random numbers are used by the quantum-resistant algorithms to allow GnuGPG to perform its usual public-key cryptographic tasks, such as digitally signing documents, but now in a secure quantum-safe way.

Keywords: post-quantum algorithms; quantum cryptography; quantum random number generator; quantum resistant algorithm; quantum-safe
Corresponding author: Chris Erven, KETS Quantum Security Ltd., Unit DX, St. Philips Central, Albert Road, St. Philips, Bristol, BS2 0XJ, UK; and H. H. Wills Physics Laboratory and Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Quantum Engineering Technology Labs, University of Bristol, Nanoscience and Quantum Information Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1FD, UK, E-mail:

  1. Author contribution: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.

  2. Research funding: None declared.

  3. Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that they are employed at 2 start-ups which produce commercial QRNG and QR solutions.

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Received: 2020-05-29
Accepted: 2020-09-14
Published Online: 2019-10-22
Published in Print: 2020-11-26

© 2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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https://doi.org/10.1515/aot-2020-0021
Keywords for this article
post-quantum algorithms; quantum cryptography; quantum random number generator; quantum resistant algorithm; quantum-safe

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Community
  3. News
  4. Views
  5. Cold atom interferometry for inertial sensing in the field
  6. Quantum sensing with nanoparticles for gravimetry: when bigger is better
  7. Topical Issue: Applied Quantum Technologies; Guest Editors: Markus Krutzik, John Close, and Daniel Oi
  8. Editorial
  9. Answers for some of the biggest questions may be given by the very smallest
  10. Letters
  11. Probing Bloch oscillations using a slow-light sensor
  12. Optically pumped magnetometers enable a new level of biomagnetic measurements
  13. Research Articles
  14. Numeric estimation of resource requirements for a practical polarization-frame alignment scheme for quantum key distribution (QKD)
  15. Adaptive optics benefit for quantum key distribution uplink from ground to a satellite
  16. Fast and robust optically pumped cesium magnetometer
  17. Combining a quantum random number generator and quantum-resistant algorithms into the GnuGPG open-source software
  18. Towards a compact, optically interrogated, cold-atom microwave clock
  19. Atomic 2D electric field imaging of a Yagi–Uda antenna near-field using a portable Rydberg-atom probe and measurement instrument
  20. Review Article
  21. Transportable optical atomic clocks for use in out-of-the-lab environments
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