Enhancing Quantum Key Distribution Efficiency and Security

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a cornerstone of next-generation cryptographic technologies, offering unparalleled security by utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics. However, practical implementations of QKD face significant challenges, including inefficiencies in key generation, susceptibility to noise, and vulnerabilities to eavesdropping. This work addresses these challenges by proposing a machine learning (ML)-driven approach to optimize QKD protocols, focusing on enhancing both efficiency and security. In this work it is intended to evaluate three advanced protocols Adaptive, Entanglement-Based, and Hybrid under varying conditions such as key length, noise levels, and channel stability. The ML models will include ensemble learning models namely Random Forest and XGBoost, the models will analyze the impact of key parameters on protocol performance and predict efficiency with high accuracy. The results reveal that the Adaptive protocol significantly outperforms the Entanglement-Based and Hybrid protocols, achieving an efficiency of up to 0.80 for a key length of 2500 bits, compared to 0.24 for the Entanglement-Based protocol and 0.26 for the Hybrid protocol. The Adaptive protocol also demonstrates superior detection probability (ranging from 0.84 to 0.85) and a higher probability of detecting eavesdropping (ranging from 0.43 to 0.45). Furthermore, correlation analysis shows a strong positive relationship (r = 0.9985) between key length and efficiency for the Adaptive protocol, highlighting its scalability. In contrast, the Entanglement-Based protocol shows consistent but lower performance across all metrics, while the Hybrid protocol offers a compromise but remains less efficient than the Adaptive protocol. By integrating ML with quantum cryptography, this work bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical implementations, providing a scalable framework for optimizing QKD systems in real-world applications. The findings underscore the importance of protocol design and optimization in achieving secure and efficient quantum communication, paving the way for the quantum internet of the future.