A method of improving the security of a QKD system is disclosed. The
method includes sending synchronization ("sync") signals from a first QKD
station to the second QKD station over a sync signal channel and
recording data relating to the arrival times of the sync signals at the
second QKD station. The method also includes processing the arrival time
data to discern between extra signals in the sync signal channel that
were not sent by the first QKD station over the sync channel, and sync
signals that were sent by the first QKD station over the sync channel.
The method also includes sending an alarm signal when it is determined
that extra signals in the sync channel could be due to an attack on the
QKD system.