Quantum technologies introduce new ways of processing information that are not covered by existing standards. At the same time, products need to integrate with existing networks and standards frameworks etc.
Quantum Key Distribution is a tool to address the common security requirement of establishing shared keys with a remote party in a secure manner. One of the central features of QKD protocols is that they can be supported by a composable security proof. Developing well-formulated standards to support the certification of QKD products under existing security evaluation and certification schemes presents some very interesting questions that are being addressed within standards developing organizations.
As QKD systems are connected together to create networks in different regions of the globe, interoperability is required. It is important that the essential interfaces to enable multi-vendor networks to function effectively are addressed in a manner that continues to allow rapid development of the underlying technologies.
Standards, and often certification, govern many applications. Specifications to aid the evaluation of quantum products and their particular characteristics will aid the adoption of these devices.
The standards required for quantum technologies span a wide range of fields including quantum information, general security, classical networking, optical components, etc. Toshiba is taking a leading role in working together with experts from various fields to develop standards for quantum technologies.
Developing standards is a collaborative process and Toshiba is working internationally within standards developing organizations including ETSI, ISO/IEC and ITU-T to develop the technical specifications that are needed most urgently for products utilising quantum technologies.
ETSI
ETSI writes standards that underpin telecommunications networks around the world. ETSI’s Industry Specification Group (ISG) on Quantum Key Distribution is developing specifications covering both security and interoperability. Toshiba is playing a leading role working with other QKD experts, network operators, security experts, National Metrology Institutes, and other academic and technical experts from around the world.
ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC maintains the standards for the Common Criteria security certification framework along with many other relevant international standards. Toshiba is working within ISO/IEC on the development of international standards, including on the security evaluation of QKD systems.
ITU-T
ITU-T is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. Toshiba is active within ITU-T on the development of a framework for QKD networks.
Latest Publications
Davide G. Marangon, Peter R. Smith, Nathan Walk, Taofiq K. Paraïso, James F. Dynes, Victor Lovic, Mirko Sanzaro, Thomas Roger, Innocenzo De Marco, Marco Lucamarini, Zhiliang Yuan & Andrew J. Shields
J. A. Dolphin T, ENG, T. K. Paraïso T, H. Du T, R. I. Woodward T, D. G. Marangon T and A. J. Shields T
