The effect of classical attacks on quantum clock synchronization

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Abstract

6G networks require precise and secure clock synchronization for the success of promised applications. The growing demand for high accuracy and precision in clock synchronization motivated the development of QTS protocol. The security of the QTS protocol is crucial for maintaining reliable, uninterrupted network communications. As QTS consists of quantum and classical components, potential security vulnerabilities can be in both domains. This paper investigates the vulnerabilities in the classical channel and examines how these weaknesses impact the protocol. An attacker exploiting the weakness in TCP/IP protocol specifically ARP spoofing attack, followed by MITM attack threat is studied. This attacker can alter the timing information exchanged between devices located in respective clocks, resulting in an incorrect time offset calculation in QTS protocol. Simulation is conducted by generating photon detection timestamps following Poisson distribution at each detector and communicating over TCP connection. An attacker is located between two clocks and intercepts the packets. The simulation result illustrates vulnerabilities in the TCP protocol and demonstrates how exploiting these weaknesses can affect clock synchronization accuracy. In addition, TLS protocol is identified as a potential countermeasure mechanism.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2024 IEEE Future Networks World Forum, FNWF 2024
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Pages692-697
Number of pages6
ISBN (electronic)979-8-3503-7949-5
ISBN (print)979-8-3503-7950-1
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesIEEE Future Networks World Forum (FNWF)
ISSN2770-7660

Conference

Title2024 IEEE Future Networks World Forum
Abbreviated titleFNWF 2024
Duration15 - 17 October 2024
Website
LocationRaffles Dubai
CityDubai
CountryUnited Arab Emirates

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0001-8469-9573/work/203069112

Keywords

Keywords

  • ARP, classical communication networks, MITM, QTS, security