Security aspects of practical quantum cryptography

Summary form only given. Quantum information theory suggests the possibility of accomplishing tasks that are beyond the capability of classical computer science, such as information-secure cryptographic key distribution. The lack of security proofs for standard (secret- and public-) key distribution schemes, and the insecurity of the most widely used classical schemes (such as RSA and PGP) against "quantum attacks" emphasises the need for information-secure key distribution. We provide a thorough investigation of security issues for practical quantum key distribution, taking into account channel losses, and a realistic detection process.