6,901 research outputs found
Classical light vs. nonclassical light: Characterizations and interesting applications
We briefly review the ideas that have shaped modern optics and have led to
various applications of light ranging from spectroscopy to astrophysics, and
street lights to quantum communication. The review is primarily focused on the
modern applications of classical light and nonclassical light. Specific
attention has been given to the applications of squeezed, antibunched, and
entangled states of radiation field. Applications of Fock states (especially
single photon states) in the field of quantum communication are also discussed.Comment: 32 pages, 3 figures, a review on applications of ligh
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Post-quantum blockchain for internet of things domain
This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonIn the evolving realm of quantum computing, emerging advancements reveal substantial challenges and threats to existing cryptographic infrastructures, particularly impacting blockchain technologies. These are pivotal for securing the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems. The traditional blockchain structures, integral to myriad IoT applications, are susceptible to potential quantum computations, emphasizing an urgent need for innovations in post-quantum blockchain solutions to reinforce security in the expansive domain of IoT.
This PhD thesis delves into the crucial exploration and meticulous examination of the development and implementation of post-quantum blockchain within the IoT landscape, focusing on the incorporation of advanced post-quantum cryptographic algorithms in Hyperledger Fabric, a forefront blockchain platform renowned for its versatility and robustness. The primary aim is to discern viable post-quantum cryptographic solutions capable of fortifying blockchain systems against impending quantum threats enhancing security and reliability in IoT applications.
The research comprehensively evaluates various post-quantum public-key generation and digital signature algorithms, performing detailed analyses of their computational time and memory usage to identify optimal candidates. Furthermore, the thesis proposes an innovative lattice-based digital signature scheme Fast-Fourier Lattice-based Compact Signature over NTRU (Falcon), which leverages the Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) algorithm as a trapdoor sampler to augment its security attributes.
The research introduces a post-quantum version of the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain that integrates post-quantum signatures. The system utilizes the Open Quantum Safe (OQS) library, rigorously tested against NIST round 3 candidates for optimal performance. The study highlights the capability to manage IoT data securely on the post-quantum Hyperledger Fabric blockchain through the Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol. Such a configuration ensures safe data transfer from IoT sensors directly to the blockchain nodes, securing the processing and recording of sensor data within the node ledger. The research addresses the multifaceted challenges of quantum computing advancements and significantly contributes to establishing secure, efficient, and resilient post-quantum blockchain infrastructures tailored explicitly for the IoT domain. These findings are instrumental in elevating the security paradigms of IoT systems against quantum vulnerabilities and catalysing innovations in post-quantum cryptography and blockchain technologies.
Furthermore, this thesis introduces strategies for the optimization of performance and scalability of post-quantum blockchain solutions and explores alternative, energy-efficient consensus mechanisms such as the Raft and Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), providing sustainable alternatives to the conventional Proof-of-Work (PoW) approach.
A critical insight emphasized throughout this thesis is the imperative of synergistic collaboration among academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. This collaboration is pivotal to expedite the adoption and standardization of post-quantum blockchain solutions, fostering the development of interoperable and standardized technologies enriched with robust security and privacy frameworks for end users.
In conclusion, this thesis furnishes profound insights and substantial contributions to implementing post-quantum blockchain in the IoT domain. It delineates original contributions to the knowledge and practices in the field, offering practical solutions and advancing the state-of-the-art in post-quantum cryptography and blockchain research, thereby paving the way for a secure and resilient future for interconnected IoT systems
Distributed Cryptographic Protocols
[ES] La confianza es la base de las sociedades modernas. Sin embargo, las relaciones basadas en confianza son difÃciles de establecer y pueden ser explotadas
fácilmente con resultados devastadores. En esta tesis exploramos el uso
de protocolos criptográficos distribuidos para construir sistemas confiables
donde la confianza se vea reemplazada por garantÃas matemáticas y criptográficas. En estos nuevos sistemas dinámicos, incluso si una de las partes
se comporta de manera deshonesta, la integridad y resiliencia del sistema
están garantizadas, ya que existen mecanismos para superar este tipo de
situaciones. Por lo tanto, hay una transición de sistemas basados en la confianza, a esquemas donde esta misma confianza es descentralizada entre un
conjunto de individuos o entidades. Cada miembro de este conjunto puede ser
auditado, y la verificación universal asegura que todos los usuarios puedan
calcular el estado final en cada uno de estos métodos, sin comprometer la
privacidad individual de los usuarios.
La mayorÃa de los problemas de colaboración a los que nos enfrentamos
como sociedad, pueden reducirse a dos grandes dilemas: el votar una propuesta, o un representante polÃtico, ó identificarnos a nosotros mismos como
miembros de un colectivo con derecho de acceso a un recurso o servicio. Por
ello, esta tesis doctoral se centra en los protocolos criptográficos distribuidos
aplicados al voto electrónico y la identificación anónima.
Hemos desarrollado tres protocolos para el voto electrónico que complementan y mejoran a los métodos más tradicionales, y además protegen la
privacidad de los votantes al mismo tiempo que aseguran la integridad del
proceso de voto. En estos sistemas, hemos empleado diferentes mecanismos
criptográficos que proveen, bajo diferentes asunciones, de las propiedades de
seguridad que todo sistema de voto debe tener. Algunos de estos sistemas son
seguros incluso en escenarios pos-cuánticos. También hemos calculado minuciosamente la complejidad temporal de los métodos para demostrar que son
eficientes y factibles de ser implementados. Además, hemos implementado
algunos de estos sistemas, o partes de ellos, y llevado a cabo una detallada
experimentación para demostrar el potencial de nuestras contribuciones.
Finalmente, estudiamos en detalle el problema de la identificación y proponemos tres métodos no interactivos y distribuidos que permiten el registro
y acceso anónimo. Estos protocolos son especialmente ligeros y agnósticos
en su implementación, lo que permite que puedan ser integrados con múltiples propósitos. Hemos formalizado y demostrado la seguridad de nuestros
protocolos de identificación, y hemos realizado una implementación completa
de ellos para, una vez más, demostrar la factibilidad y eficiencia de las soluciones propuestas. Bajo este marco teórico de identificación, somos capaces
de asegurar el recurso custodiado, sin que ello suponga una violación para el
anonimato de los usuarios.[CA] La confiança és la base de les societats modernes. No obstant això, les relacions basades en confiança són difÃcils d’establir i poden ser explotades fà cilment amb resultats devastadors. En aquesta tesi explorem l’ús de protocols
criptogrà fics distribuïts per a construir sistemes de confiança on la confiança es veja reemplaçada per garanties matemà tiques i criptogrà fiques. En
aquests nous sistemes dinà mics, fins i tot si una de les parts es comporta
de manera deshonesta, la integritat i resiliència del sistema estan garantides,
ja que existeixen mecanismes per a superar aquest tipus de situacions. Per
tant, hi ha una transició de sistemes basats en la confiança, a esquemes on
aquesta acarona confiança és descentralitzada entre un conjunt d’individus o
entitats. Cada membre d’aquest conjunt pot ser auditat, i la verificació universal assegura que tots els usuaris puguen calcular l’estat final en cadascun
d’aquests mètodes, sense comprometre la privacitat individual dels usuaris.
La majoria dels problemes de colůlaboració als quals ens enfrontem com
a societat, poden reduir-se a dos grans dilemes: el votar una proposta, o un
representant polÃtic, o identificar-nos a nosaltres mateixos com a membres
d’un colůlectiu amb dret d’accés a un recurs o servei. Per això, aquesta tesi
doctoral se centra en els protocols criptogrà fics distribuïts aplicats al vot
electrònic i la identificació anònima.
Hem desenvolupat tres protocols per al vot electrònic que complementen
i milloren als mètodes més tradicionals, i a més protegeixen la privacitat
dels votants al mateix temps que asseguren la integritat del procés de vot.
En aquests sistemes, hem emprat diferents mecanismes criptogrà fics que
proveeixen, baix diferents assumpcions, de les propietats de seguretat que
tot sistema de vot ha de tindre. Alguns d’aquests sistemes són segurs fins i tot en escenaris post-quà ntics. També hem calculat minuciosament la complexitat temporal dels mètodes per a demostrar que són eficients i factibles
de ser implementats. A més, hem implementats alguns d’aquests sistemes, o
parts d’ells, i dut a terme una detallada experimentació per a demostrar la
potencial de les nostres contribucions.
Finalment, estudiem detalladament el problema de la identificació i proposem tres mètodes no interactius i distribuïts que permeten el registre i
accés anònim. Aquests protocols són especialment lleugers i agnòstics en
la seua implementació, la qual cosa permet que puguen ser integrats amb
múltiples propòsits. Hem formalitzat i demostrat la seguretat dels nostres
protocols d’identificació, i hem realitzat una implementació completa d’ells
per a, una vegada més, demostrar la factibilitat i eficiència de les solucions
proposades. Sota aquest marc teòric d’identificació, som capaces d’assegurar
el recurs custodiat, sense que això supose una violació per a l’anonimat dels
usuaris.[EN] Trust is the base of modern societies. However, trust is difficult to achieve
and can be exploited easily with devastating results. In this thesis, we explore the use of distributed cryptographic protocols to build reliable systems
where trust can be replaced by cryptographic and mathematical guarantees.
In these adaptive systems, even if one involved party acts dishonestly, the
integrity and robustness of the system can be ensured as there exist mechanisms to overcome these scenarios. Therefore, there is a transition from
systems based in trust, to schemes where trust is distributed between decentralized parties. Individual parties can be audited, and universal verifiability
ensures that any user can compute the final state of these methods, without
compromising individual users’ privacy.
Most collaboration problems we face as societies can be reduced to two
main dilemmas: voting on a proposal or electing political representatives,
or identifying ourselves as valid members of a collective to access a service
or resource. Hence, this doctoral thesis focuses on distributed cryptographic
protocols for electronic voting and anonymous identification.
We have developed three electronic voting schemes that enhance traditional methods, and protect the privacy of electors while ensuring the integrity of the whole election. In these systems, we have employed different
cryptographic mechanisms, that fulfill all the desired security properties of
an electronic voting scheme, under different assumptions. Some of them are
secure even in post-quantum scenarios. We have provided a detailed time-complexity analysis to prove that our proposed methods are efficient and
feasible to implement. We also implemented some voting protocols, or parts
of them, and carried out meticulous experimentation to show the potential of our contributions.
Finally, we study in detail the identification problem and propose three
distributed and non-interactive methods for anonymous registration and access. These three protocols are especially lightweight and application agnostic, making them feasible to be integrated with many purposes. We formally
analyze and demonstrate the security of our identification protocols, and
provide a complete implementation of them to once again show the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed solutions. Using this identification
framework, we can ensure the security of the guarded resource, while also
preserving the anonymity of the users.Larriba Flor, AM. (2023). Distributed Cryptographic Protocols [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/19810
Quantum Computing Standards & Accounting Information Systems
This research investigates the potential implications of quantum technology
on accounting information systems, and business overall. This endeavor focuses
on the vulnerabilities of quantum computers and the emergence of
quantum-resistant encryption algorithms. This paper critically analyzes quantum
standards and their transformative effects on the efficiency, expediency, and
security of commerce. By comparing the differences, similarities, and
limitations of quantum standards, the research presents a collection of best
practices and adaptation methods to fortify organizations against cyber threats
in the quantum era. The study provides a guide to understanding and navigating
the interplay between quantum technology and standard-setting organizations,
enabling organizations to safeguard the integrity of their practices and adapt
proactively to the challenges ushered in by the advent of quantum supremacy.
This endeavor also contributes to research by painting the standard-setting
ecosystem and noting its intricate processes. The findings include the
identification of organizations involved with quantum standards, as well as
observed distinctions, similarities, and limitations between American and
European standards
Foundations, Properties, and Security Applications of Puzzles: A Survey
Cryptographic algorithms have been used not only to create robust ciphertexts
but also to generate cryptograms that, contrary to the classic goal of
cryptography, are meant to be broken. These cryptograms, generally called
puzzles, require the use of a certain amount of resources to be solved, hence
introducing a cost that is often regarded as a time delay---though it could
involve other metrics as well, such as bandwidth. These powerful features have
made puzzles the core of many security protocols, acquiring increasing
importance in the IT security landscape. The concept of a puzzle has
subsequently been extended to other types of schemes that do not use
cryptographic functions, such as CAPTCHAs, which are used to discriminate
humans from machines. Overall, puzzles have experienced a renewed interest with
the advent of Bitcoin, which uses a CPU-intensive puzzle as proof of work. In
this paper, we provide a comprehensive study of the most important puzzle
construction schemes available in the literature, categorizing them according
to several attributes, such as resource type, verification type, and
applications. We have redefined the term puzzle by collecting and integrating
the scattered notions used in different works, to cover all the existing
applications. Moreover, we provide an overview of the possible applications,
identifying key requirements and different design approaches. Finally, we
highlight the features and limitations of each approach, providing a useful
guide for the future development of new puzzle schemes.Comment: This article has been accepted for publication in ACM Computing
Survey
Consensus Algorithms of Distributed Ledger Technology -- A Comprehensive Analysis
The most essential component of every Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is
the Consensus Algorithm (CA), which enables users to reach a consensus in a
decentralized and distributed manner. Numerous CA exist, but their viability
for particular applications varies, making their trade-offs a crucial factor to
consider when implementing DLT in a specific field. This article provided a
comprehensive analysis of the various consensus algorithms used in distributed
ledger technologies (DLT) and blockchain networks. We cover an extensive array
of thirty consensus algorithms. Eleven attributes including hardware
requirements, pre-trust level, tolerance level, and more, were used to generate
a series of comparison tables evaluating these consensus algorithms. In
addition, we discuss DLT classifications, the categories of certain consensus
algorithms, and provide examples of authentication-focused and
data-storage-focused DLTs. In addition, we analyze the pros and cons of
particular consensus algorithms, such as Nominated Proof of Stake (NPoS),
Bonded Proof of Stake (BPoS), and Avalanche. In conclusion, we discuss the
applicability of these consensus algorithms to various Cyber Physical System
(CPS) use cases, including supply chain management, intelligent transportation
systems, and smart healthcare.Comment: 50 pages, 20 figure
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