Efficient and Secure Measure-Resend Authenticated Semi-Quantum Key Distribution Protocol against Reflecting Attack

In 2021, Chang et al. proposed an authenticated semi-quantum key-distribution (ASQKD) protocol using single photons and channel. However, eavesdropper can launch a reflective attack to forge the receiver’s identity without being detected. addition, al.’s ASQKD assumes classical channel between sender receiver. It is considered illogical have in protocol. If these security issues are not addressed, will fail deliver secret key. Therefore, this study proposes efficient secure circumvent problems only photons. Security analysis proves that effectively avoid reflecting attacks, collective other typical attacks. Compared with existing protocols, has following advantages: based on photon, it demands less advanced quantum devices, communication efficiency higher than most reduces length of required pre-shared keys, endures there no need for