Quantum key distribution protocol-based image encryption algorithm

In this thesis, a simulation of BB84 QKD protocol will be implemented to generate a secret key which is used for the encryption and decryption of digital images. Moreover, a method for combining the original image with the generated secret key will be proposed. In the proposed method, both the original image and the key are split into their RGB components, and a combination of XOR operations and modular arithmetic is applied to combine them. The QKD-based encryption method is tested on various standard test images of different dimensions. To ensure the robustness, efficiency, and performance of this QKD-based encryption scheme, several tests and analysis will be run on the resulting data including standard attack checks, correlation coefficient analysis, entropy analysis, histogram analysis. Finally, the results will be compared with the E91 QKD protocol. As the future of the secure-deemed public-key cryptography is in jeopardy, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which is part of Quantum Cryptography (QD), addresses these security concerns by providing a robust and secure solution. QKD utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics and the laws of physics to establish a secure secret key between two parties with the help of Heisenberg uncertainty principle and the no-cloning theorem. The key security feature of QKD protocols is the ability to detect whether an eavesdropper is present since an attempt to eavesdrop would cause a disturbance in the system and alert the original parties. There has been remarkable development regarding the design of QKD protocols recently, and many in-field prototypes are being implemented.