Quantum Computing Breakthrough Threatens Widely Used Encryption Standards

A Chinese research team has made a significant advance in quantum computing. By using D-Wave’s quantum annealing systems, they could attack widely used cryptographic methods, including RSA encryption. Gyana Swain, writing in CSO, reports that this method could eventually enable attacks on encryption standards like AES, which safeguard sensitive information worldwide.

In their paper, “Quantum Annealing Public Key Cryptographic Attack Algorithm Based on D-Wave Advantage,” the researchers, led by Wang Chao from Shanghai University, describe how they factored a 22-bit RSA integer with quantum technology, demonstrating the potential for quantum computing systems to break classic encryption faster than previously expected.

The researchers also attacked algorithms key to the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), including Present, Rectangle, and the Gift-64 block cipher.

“Our findings show that D-Wave’s quantum technology can efficiently target encryption systems that protect sensitive information globally,” they stated in their paper.

According to Prabhjyot Kaur of Everest Group, these findings emphasize the growing need for quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions to maintain data security as quantum technology progresses. This study marks a potential turning point, highlighting that current cryptographic systems could become vulnerable as quantum computing evolves and suggesting that the timeline for such threats may be much shorter than expected.

“The advancement of quantum computers can seriously threaten data security and privacy for various enterprises, affecting fundamental principles such as confidentiality, integrity, and authentication,” Kaur said. “This makes it essential to reassess the security of these cryptographic methods.”

According to Kaur, the widespread use of quantum computers could facilitate advanced cyberattacks that are impossible using classical computers. He calls “post-quantum cryptography” the solution to the problem.