Project description
Advancing cryptographic methods for real-world applications
Quantum cryptography is transforming secure communication by offering protection based on fundamental physics laws, making it immune to the computational power of future adversaries. Unlike traditional methods, it ensures security through quantum random number generation and quantum key distribution, which provide truly random outputs and unbreakable encryption keys. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the TPSQCrypto project will advance these technologies to make them practical for real-world use. The key idea is to adapt security assumptions to specific platforms, such as photonics, to create highly secure systems that are feasible to implement. The proposed research will pave the way for viable quantum cryptographic solutions in everyday communication.
Objective
Cryptography is vital in the digital age, underpinning secure communication and random number generation. Traditional methods, however, cannot guarantee security against adversaries with sufficient computational power. Quantum information science offers a paradigm shift through quantum random number generators (QRNGs) and quantum key distribution (QKD), enabling security based on the physical laws of nature rather than technological limitations. In particular, device-independent approaches ensure ultimate security without requiring detailed knowledge of the internal workings of the devices. However, designing quantum cryptographic systems that are both ultimately secure and practical under real-world conditions still remains a critical challenge.
This proposal addresses this challenge by bridging ultimate security frameworks based on device independence with practical implementations. The key idea is to tailor security assumptions to the strengths of specific platforms, while retaining strong security guarantees. For example, photonic platforms offer high precision in photon-number statistics, which justifies relaxing device-independent assumptions for state preparations. Instead, the protocol can incorporate well-motivated energetic assumptions, enabling a more realistic yet still secure implementations.
This two-year project begins addressing ultimate security of QRNGs, quantifying the threat of quantum attacks and developing novel numerical tools to certify the amount of randomness in their presence. The second phase addresses the balance between security and implementability of QKD protocols, introducing key elements such as multiple preparation choices and energetic assumptions, for practical long-distance secure communication.
By leveraging accessible physical systems and realistic assumptions, the project aims to deliver feasible QRNG and QKD solutions, bridging theory and experiment towards practical and secure quantum cryptography.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- social sciences law
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08860 Castelldefels
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.