Security of classical noise-based cryptography

Abstract

We examine security of a protocol on cryptographic key distribution via classical noise proposed by Yuen and Kim (Phys. Lett. A 241 135 (1998)). Theoretical and experimental analysis in terms of the secure key distribution rate shows that secure key distribution is possible even if the eavesdropper could receive more photons than the legitimate receiver, as long as the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of the receiver is better than -9dB of the eavesdropper's SNR. Secure key distribution was demonstrated at the maximum rate of 0.04 bit per sender's bit and transmission rate of 2 Mb/s in the experiment employing conventional fiber optics. The present protocol has advantages of the efficient key distribution and the simple implementation over other quantum key distribution protocols. However, careful design and management are necessary to keep the security of the crypto-system.