Building the Foundation for a Scalable and Secure Quantum Internet

Objectives: This research proposal revolves around four objectives to enhance resource management and security measures in quantum networks. The first objective focuses on exploring and integrating classical and quantum networking techniques, particularly scalability and security. In the second objective, we will focus on identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities associated with the networking techniques developed in the first objective. Specifically, we will pay close attention to addressing challenges related to untrusted nodes, aiming to enhance the robustness and integrity of quantum communications. The third objective is to explore the suitability of quantum encryption methods, such as quantum public-key schemes and quantum signatures, within the networking techniques developed in the first objective. This investigation will focus on their applicability and effectiveness in quantum networks. Finally, the fourth objective is to streamline security management by developing security abstractions that bridge the gap between quantum and classical network components. The successful realization of these objectives will greatly contribute to the robustness and integrity of future quantum networks. Methods: To address our objectives, we will employ a blend of theoretical analysis, computational modeling, and simulation-based evaluations. It involves designing and evaluating quantum networking techniques, specifically focusing on their security and scalability. We will extend these techniques and compare them to existing approaches, assessing their effectiveness and security in networking scenarios. Quantum encryption techniques will be incorporated and tested in various network scenarios, requiring extensive knowledge of quantum information theory and modern cryptographic methods. We will examine diverse threat models for scenarios involving untrusted nodes and apply methods from game theory and network security. To create security abstractions, we will leverage techniques from system design and network functions to model the classical-quantum interaction in networks. Lastly, we will utilize advanced quantum network simulators to model network scenarios and assess the effectiveness of our proposed security strategies. Impact: Completing these objectives would represent a significant quantum network security, and scalability step forward. They will help safeguard sensitive data and ensure reliable, secure quantum communication, paramount in various sectors, including privacy, finance, and healthcare. Our security strategies and abstractions will streamline the management of quantum network security within its classical infrastructure, contributing to more efficient and robust networks. By enhancing the dependability and robustness of quantum networks, our work will support the expansion of the quantum Internet and its novel applications, thereby contributing substantially to societal and technological advancement.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)