RanA: A Hybrid Approach to BB84 QKD with Key Expansion and Encapsulation

• Marcus Freire UFBA http://orcid.org/0009-0005-7195-4607
• Thiago Luigi Mello UFBA https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4860-1008
• Isys Sant'Anna UFBA https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5195-5811
• Adriano Maia UFBA https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1739-4295
• Rodrigo Moreira UNICAMP https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2146-2405
• Roberto Rivelino UFBA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2679-1640
• Maycon Peixoto UFBA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4851-5228

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbrc.2025.6431

Abstract

Quantum cryptography, exemplified by the BB84 protocol, ensures secure key distribution through principles of quantum mechanics such as superposition and the no-cloning theorem. However, limitations in key generation rates and scalability, along with attenuation and noise in quantum channels, hinder its practical deployment in high-demand scenarios. This study proposes a hybrid approach combining BB84 with Argon2-based key derivation and Kyber512 privacy amplification, reducing dependence on quantum channels while increasing efficiency and robustness against quantum attacks. Experimental results validate the protocol’s scalability and security.

Keywords: Quantum Computing, Quantum Cryptography, Post-Quantum, Quantum Key Distribution

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