Secure Ballots Using Quantum Cryptography

Lester Houston III [les45ismore@yahoo.com]

Abstract

Quantum cryptography is an emerging technology in the field of cryptographic systems where quantum mechanics is used to guarantee secure communication between two parties. In simple terms, quantum cryptography uses the principles of quantum mechanics to provide communication between two parties where eavesdropping can be detected by both the sender and the receiver. The first commercial application is applied towards securing electronic ballots. This paper will discuss what is needed to make electronic ballots secure, how quantum cryptography is used to make electronic ballots secure, the principles that make quantum cryptography secure and the quantum key distribution protocols used to perform quantum key distribution. This paper will also discuss the flaws of quantum cryptographic systems along with the plans for enhancing current quantum cryptographic systems.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Quantum Cryptography
  • 2.1 Quantum Key Distribution
    • 2.1.1 BB84 Encoding Scheme
    • 2.1.2 B92 Encoding Scheme
    • 2.1.3 Ekert Encoding Scheme
  • 2.2 Eavesdropping Detection
    • 2.2.1 Information Reconciliation
    • 2.2.2 Privacy Amplification
  • 2.3. Quantum Cryptographic Attacks
    • 2.3.1. Denial of Service Attack
    • 2.3.2. Man-in-the-Middle Attack
• 3. Secure Electronic Ballots
• 4. Swiss Secure Balloting
• 5. Future Enhancements
• 6. Summary
• 7. References
• List of Acronyms

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