Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows perfectly secure communications in the presence of an eavesdropper. Quantum error correction (QEC) allows reliable quantum computations in the presence of environmental noises. Recently, the deep connection between QEC and the security of QKD has been demonstrated: Experimental QKD, which is feasible with current technology, can provide one of the first arenas for the applications of the abstract concepts in QEC and, more generally, entanglement purification. Moreover, concepts in QEC/entanglement purification allow QKD to operate in an unconditionally secure manner in a much larger parameter region than previously known. Here, I survey these exciting developments.