Towards Robust Quantum Communication: A Taxonomy of Vulnerabilities and Attacks over a decade in Quantum Key Distribution

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) promises secure communication by leveraging quantum principles. Although there has been significant theoretical research conducted in the field of QKD. However, it is still an emerging frontier in the realm of practical implementation. The absence of standardization exposes several vulnerabilities in both quantum and classical spectrums. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the Q KD vulnerabilities and attack models published from the past decade and classify them within a taxonomy. By bridging theory and practice, we aim to improve the practical security of Q KD against threats and pave the way for robust quantum communication.