Quantum computing is coming to you soon

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PUBLIC DEFENDER By Brian Livingston A breakthrough by researchers at Oxford University makes it likely that you’ll be able to access the power of a qu
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In theory, quantum computing can operate much faster than even the speediest processors available today.

True, but only for a relatively small number of tasks, for which new ‘quantum’ algorithms are available.  One of these is factorising large numbers (Shor’s algorithm), which is very important, because a great deal of Internet cryptography is based on the impossibility (within any reasonable amount of time) of factoring very large numbers (with hundreds, if not thousands of digits).  The good news is that the world’s best cryptographers and Internet standards bodies are working on new methods which will not be subject to the same vulnerabilities.

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Quantum computing and nuclear fusion, can you say “check’s in the mail?” When I see it, I’ll believe it.

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Richard C Algeni wrote:

Quantum computing and nuclear fusion, can you say “check’s in the mail?” When I see it, I’ll believe it.

Amen.

Today Quantum replacement algorithms (in the context of security/encryption) are actually weakening your security. New is increasingly not better.

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Mr C J Miller wrote:

True, but only for a relatively small number of tasks, for which new ‘quantum’ algorithms are available.  One of these is factorising large numbers (Shor’s algorithm), which is very important, because a great deal of Internet cryptography is based on the impossibility (within any reasonable amount of time) of factoring very large numbers (with hundreds, if not thousands of digits).

Shor’s Algorithm, while intriguing, is still very much theoretical for quantum computers of today and the foreseeable future. Even tiny numbers remain a challenge to factor with quantum let alone the astronomical numbers used with cryptography systems.

Presumably the technology will continue to improve, but there are SIGNIFICANT hurdles that still must be overcome before quantum computing is feasible for useful tasks.

Richard C Algeni wrote:

Quantum computing and nuclear fusion, can you say “check’s in the mail?” When I see it, I’ll believe it.

Precisely, that is a good analogy (with regards to useful computing)

Adam wrote:

Today Quantum replacement algorithms (in the context of security/encryption) are actually weakening your security. New is increasingly not better.

Also true. Looking for “quantum secure” crypto algorithms because a quantum computer may someday break existing crypto is similar to looking for “time travel secure” crypto algorithms because someday time travel may be invented (and the attacker will be looking over your shoulder with their invisibility cloak to steal your password.)  Possible? Yes.  Likely? Not so much, in the near future.

Many are quick to seize the opportunity to abandon secure systems in favor of weaker systems that are new. Allterior motives abound.

 

 

 

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Great!  With a quantum computer, I can start workin gon that warpdrive idea I have at the back of my mind!

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