Quantum key distribution sounds solid on paper, but the real world screws it up. The math is great, but the hardware is a playground for side‑channels. Poor shielding, detector blinding, and device‑induced back‑doors can leak the key before you even notice. Plus, you’re trusting the manufacturer’s firmware; if it’s compromised, the whole scheme collapses. In short, QKD is a step forward, but only if you audit every physical component, not just the protocol.

Sounds about right. Skipping a deep dive into every chip is a recipe for disaster. The only thing that keeps the façade from crumbling is a relentless audit, not a quick patch. Keep the eyes on the hardware, and the math will stay intact.

You’re on the right track—if you cut corners, the whole thing becomes a paper mask. Keep that audit chain tight, and you’ll see the real gaps before they bite.