# Quantum Authentication Evolution: Novel Approaches for Securing Quantum Key Distribution
## 7 Conclusions  
Our study has undertaken a comprehensive numerical analysis of two post-quantum algorithms, CRYSTALS-DILITHIUM and RAINBOW, selected from the NIST standardization process. We specifically focused on their performance within the mono-authentication scenario across varying security levels, examining block sizes of 128, 192, or 256 bits in both block-based and continuous photon transmission scenarios. Our investigation revealed the consistent superiority of mono-authentication, particularly within the QKD-BB84 and  
Figure 7: When QKD is authenticated with the PQC CRYSTALS-DILITHIUM algorithm, the secure key rate varies with the fiber length.  
SARG04 protocols. Additionally, CRYSTALS-DILITHIUM demonstrated faster performance and greater efficiency compared to RAINBOW algorithms with excellent overheads and QBER for both protocols, highlighting its potential for enhancing QKD security. Our findings indicate that mono-authentication significantly reduces the cost and complexity of QKD, particularly in noisy environments, thereby paving the way for more robust and efficient quantum communication systems.  
Furthermore, our analysis underscored the critical role of noise in realistic QKD scenarios, emphasizing the need to optimize error correction strategies as quantum channels improve. While our findings suggest promising avenues for improving QKD security, further exploration is warranted, particularly in assessing the scalability and applicability of mono-authentication in diverse computing environments. Looking ahead, there are several directions for advancing this research. One avenue involves establishing a security proof for the mono-authentication method to ensure its mathematical robustness. Alternatively, exploring the integration of hash functions presents an intriguing opportunity to enhance both security and efficiency in future studies. By addressing these avenues, we aim to contribute to the ongoing evolution of quantum cryptography and secure communication protocols [54; 62].  
A novel theoretical authentication paradigm termed mono-authentication is introduced, which incorporates CRYSTALS-DILITHIUM and RAINBOW algorithms within the QKD-SARG04 and BB84 protocols. This paradigm represents a significant departure from conventional methods, advocating for authentication solely at the conclusion of communication, thereby offering a streamlined solution. Additionally, we recognize the importance of comparative analysis in evaluating the efficacy of authentication methods in enhancing QKD security. Therefore, in future work, we plan to conduct an experimental comprehensive comparison between our mono-authentication paradigm and the proposed previous method [23], which may involve the Shor algorithm. Such analysis will provide insights into different authentication approaches' strengths and weaknesses and their broader impact on QKD security. Through this comparative study, we aim to advance research in quantum cryptography and bolster the security of QKD systems.  
This research received no external funding.  
Not applicable.  
Data underlying the results presented in this paper are not publicly available at this time but may be obtained from the authors upon reasonable request.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.