Quantum Networks Under Attack: Black Hole Repeaters

• Artur Smith UFPA
• Diego Abreu UFPA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9221-7853
• Arthur Pimentel UFPA https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0124-2645
• Antônio Abelém UFPA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4085-6674

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbrc.2025.5902

Abstract

Quantum networks promise unparalleled security by leveraging entanglement-based protocols and trusted quantum repeaters to enable applications such as quantum key distribution and distributed quantum computing. However, as these networks evolve in complexity, they expose new operational and control vulnerabilities that can be exploited by adversaries. Among these vulnerabilities, subtle attacks on the entanglement swapping process and manipulating performance metrics pose significant challenges to network integrity and efficiency. This study delves into a relatively unexplored class of threats: the Black Hole Repeater attacks. These attacks involve malicious nodes deliberately introducing errors or falsifying metrics that undermine the success rate of quantum operations and lead to resource inefficiencies while remaining undetectable by traditional monitoring techniques such as quantum tomography. Through simulations in diverse network topologies, we demonstrate the potential impact of these attacks on key performance metrics, underscoring the need for adaptive monitoring solutions and resilient architectures to enhance the security of quantum networks.

Keywords: Quantum Networks, Attacks in Quantum Networks, Quantum Black Hole

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