METHOD FOR QUANTUM-SECURED COMMUNICATION

A method of encryption for quantum-secured communication includes structuring a pair of quantum-enabled hardware security modules to include an interface to a temporarily common quantum channel and an interface to a communication channel. A secret key is shared with the pair of quantum-enabled hardware security modules for a symmetrical encryption between the pair of quantum-enabled hardware security module. The secret key is obtained using quantum key distribution via the temporarily common quantum channel. The temporarily common quantum channel is disconnected from at least one of the pair of quantum-enabled hardware security modules and a communication network is structured to include at least two nodes configured to communicate using symmetrical encryption between the pair of quantum-enabled hardware security modules sharing a same secret key.