ISO/IEC 23837 — Security Requirements for Quantum Key Distribution
ISO/IEC 23837 (Parts 1 and 2) specifies security requirements and evaluation methods for quantum key distribution modules and networks. Part 1 defines security requirements covering: QKD module security, key generation, key management, authentication, physical security, and side-channel resistance. Part 2 defines evaluation methodology. Developed by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27 (Information security) in coordination with ETSI ISG QKD. Provides a Common Criteria-compatible evaluation framework for QKD implementations. Adopted by national QKD certification schemes including BSI (Germany) and ANSSI (France).
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Framework Domains (7)
Clause 1-3: Introductory Provisions
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| 23837-1.1 | Scope |
| 23837-1.2 | Normative references |
| 23837-1.3 | Terms and definitions |
| 27557-1 | Scope |
| 27557-2 | Normative references |
| 27557-3 | Terms and definitions |
Clause 4: QKD Module Security Overview
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| 23837-1.4.1 | QKD module structural analysis |
| 23837-1.4.2 | Classification of QKD protocols |
| 23837-1.4.3 | Security problems analysis |
Clause 5: Security Functional Requirements for Conventional Network Components
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| 23837-1.5.1 | Network component SFRs overview |
| 23837-1.5.2 | Cryptographic module requirements |
| 23837-1.5.3 | Network device testing requirements |
Clause 6: Security Functional Requirements for Quantum Optical Components
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| 23837-1.6.1 | Quantum optical component SFRs |
| 23837-1.6.2 | Photon source security |
| 23837-1.6.3 | Quantum channel security |
Clause 7: Security Functional Requirements for QKD Protocol Implementation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| 23837-1.7.1 | Protocol implementation SFRs |
| 23837-1.7.2 | Key distillation process security |
| 23837-1.7.3 | Authentication and classical post-processing |
Part 2: Evaluation and Testing Methods
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| 23837-2.1 | Evaluation activities for protocol implementation |
| 23837-2.2 | Evaluation activities for quantum optical components |
| 23837-2.3 | Evaluation activities for conventional network components |
| 23837-2.4 | Evaluation assurance levels |
Security Requirements
QKD module and network security
Maps to 600 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO/IEC 23837 — Security Requirements for Quantum Key Distribution?
ISO/IEC 23837 — Security Requirements for Quantum Key Distribution is a compliance framework from International (ISO/IEC) with 7 domains and 22 controls. ISO/IEC 23837 (Parts 1 and 2) specifies security requirements and evaluation methods for quantum key distribution modules and networks. Part 1 defines security requirements covering: QKD module security, key generation, key management, authentication, physical security, and side-channel resistance. Part 2 defines evaluation methodology. Developed by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27 (Information security) in coordination with ETSI ISG QKD. Provides a Common Criteria-compatible evaluation framework for QKD implementations. Adopted by national QKD certification schemes including BSI (Germany) and ANSSI (France). It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does ISO/IEC 23837 — Security Requirements for Quantum Key Distribution have?
ISO/IEC 23837 — Security Requirements for Quantum Key Distribution has 22 controls organised across 7 domains. The largest domains are Clause 1-3: Introductory Provisions (6 controls), Part 2: Evaluation and Testing Methods (4 controls), Clause 4: QKD Module Security Overview (3 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does ISO/IEC 23837 — Security Requirements for Quantum Key Distribution map to?
ISO/IEC 23837 — Security Requirements for Quantum Key Distribution maps to 600 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are NIS2 Directive Implementing Acts (32% coverage), UK Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 (32% coverage), NIST SP 800-171A Rev 3 — Assessing CUI Security Requirements (32% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with ISO/IEC 23837 — Security Requirements for Quantum Key Distribution compliance?
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