Framework and Classification of Indicator of Compromise for physics-based attacks

Abstract: Quantum communications are based on the law of physics for information security and the implications for this form of future information security enabled by quantum science has to be studied. Physics-based vulnerabilities may exist due to the inherent physics properties and behavior of quantum technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), thus resulting in new threats that may emerge with attackers exploiting the physics-based vulnerabilities. There were many studies and experiments done to demonstrate the threat of physics-based attacks on quantum links. However, there is a lack of a framework that provides a common language to communicate about the threats and type of adversaries being dealt with for physics-based attacks. This paper is a review of physics-based attacks that were being investigated and attempt to initialize a framework based on the attack objectives and methodologies, referencing the concept from the well-established MITRE ATT&CK, therefore pioneering the classification of Indicator of Compromises (IoCs) for physics-based attacks. This paper will then pave the way for future work in the development of a forensic tool for the different classification of IoCs, with the methods of evidence collections and possible points of extractions for analysis being further investigated.