×

A classical key-distribution system based on Johnson (like) noise-how secure? (English) Zbl 1236.81078

Summary: We present a comprehensive analysis of the Johnson (like) noise based classical key-distribution scheme presented by L. B. Kish [Phys. Lett. A 352, No. 3, 178–182 (2006; Zbl 1187.81051)]. We suggest two passive attack strategies that enable an adversary to gain complete knowledge of the exchanged key. The first approach exploits the transient response of the voltage in the transmission line after the resistors are switched and the second one exploits the finite impedance of the wire connecting the two parties.
See also the response by Kish in [Phys. Lett., A 359, No. 6, 741–744 (2006; Zbl 1236.81074)].
Added in 2012: There is a re-evaluation published in Phys. Lett., A 374, No. 21, 2140–2142 (2010; Zbl 1237.94069).

MSC:

94A60 Cryptography
81P45 Quantum information, communication, networks (quantum-theoretic aspects)
PDFBibTeX XMLCite
Full Text: DOI arXiv

References:

[1] Kish, L. B., Totally secure classical communication utilizing Johnson (-like) noise and Kirchoff’s law, Phys. Lett. A, 352, 178 (2006) · Zbl 1187.81051
[2] Seshadri, S. R., Fundamentals of Transmission Lines & Electromagnetic Fields (1971), Addison-Wesley
This reference list is based on information provided by the publisher or from digital mathematics libraries. Its items are heuristically matched to zbMATH identifiers and may contain data conversion errors. In some cases that data have been complemented/enhanced by data from zbMATH Open. This attempts to reflect the references listed in the original paper as accurately as possible without claiming completeness or a perfect matching.