A Survey of Key distribution issue: from classical to quantum solution

Abstract

Cryptography seems to be the main solution to secure information. In the taxonomy of cryptographic algorithm, two categories are distinguished, symmetric and asymmetric algorithm. In the first case only one key is used to encrypt and decrypt data. Whist the asymmetric algorithm uses a pair of keys, respectively, to encrypt and decrypt data. In both case, the main issue is how to distribute the key in a secure manner so that it can be used for encryption concerns. In this paper, we will review the key distribution issues in both cases (symmetric and asymmetric). We will present the vulnerabilities of classical key distribution techniques and then introduce the concept of quantum key distribution (QKD) by presenting the BB84 standard and some of its applications.