Introduction to quantum cryptography
COM-440 / 6 credits
Teacher(s): Liu Yupan, Vidick Thomas Georges Pierre
Language: English
Remark: This course is a « depth » for Cyber Security master program and Cyber Security minor
Summary
In this course we discover some cryptographic tasks for which quantum information provides a decisive advantage. In each case we model the task and define security precisely, and then develop the mathematical techniques required to show security.
Content
It has been known since the 1980s that the use of quantum information could enable certain cryptographic tasks, such as quantum money or quantum key distribution, that are impossible classically without making computational assumptions.
- Quantum money: Wiesner's scheme and attacks on it
- The quantum one-time pad
- Entanglement and non-local games
- Quantum key distribution: the BB'84 protocol
- Ekert's protocol and device independence
- Two-party cryptography: bit commitment, oblivious transfer, coin-flipping
- The noisy storage model
- Quantum encryption
- Delegated computation
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
- An introduction to quantum computation, such as CS-308 Introduction to quantum computation, COM-309 Introduction to quantum information processing, PHYS-541 Quantum computing or PHYS-550 quantum information theory.
Recommended courses
- A course in cryptography such as COM-401 Cryptography and Security can help engage with the material, but is not required
Important concepts to start the course
- Basics of quantum computing, including qubits, density matrices, POVM, quantum gates and circuits
- Discrete mathematics techniques in computer science, such as asymptotic estimates, Chernoff (concentration) bounds
- Algorithmic reasoning
No prior knowledge of cryptography is required, but some familiarity with the principles of quantum information, as well as some background in algorithms or complexity, are highly recommanded.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Design , analyse and show security of cryptographic protocols that make use of quantum information to implement novel tasks with strong security guarantees
- Assess / Evaluate the (theoretical) security of a quantum cryptographic scheme and investigate possible attacks on it
- Learn or solidify your knowledge of quantum computing
Teaching methods
- Ex-cathedra
- Project
Expected student activities
- Attend lecture and participate orally
- Perform the required reading and homework exercises
- Project work: prepare an oral presentation on a topic in quantum cryptography
Assessment methods
- Written midterm, based on solving mathematical problems
- Presentation of project and oral examination
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistant.e.s | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
Resources
Bibliography
Vidick and Wehner, Introduction to Quantum Cryptography, Cambridge University Press, 2023.
Ressources en bibliothèque
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to quantum cryptography
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to quantum cryptography
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to quantum cryptography
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to quantum cryptography
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to quantum cryptography
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to quantum cryptography
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to quantum cryptography
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to quantum cryptography
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Introduction to quantum cryptography
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional