Quantum Circuit Implementation and Resource Analysis of LBlock and LiCi

Abstract: Due to Grover's algorithm, any exhaustive search attack of block ciphers can achieve a quadratic speed-up. To implement Grover,s exhaustive search and accurately estimate the required resources, one needs to implement the target ciphers as quantum circuits. Recently, there has been increasing interest in quantum circuits implementing lightweight ciphers. In this paper we present the quantum implementations and resource estimates of the lightweight ciphers LBlock and LiCi. We optimize the quantum circuit implementations in the number of gates, required qubits and the circuit depth, and simulate the quantum circuits on ProjectQ. Furthermore, based on the quantum implementations, we analyze the resources required for exhaustive key search attacks of LBlock and LiCi with Grover's algorithm. Finally, we compare the resources for implementing LBlock and LiCi with those of other lightweight ciphers.