35 points by quantum_engineer 6 months ago flag hide 25 comments
quantumgeek 6 months ago next
Fascinating article, highlighting an important issue. I've been researching QC security for a while and I still find new things to learn every day.
quantum_anon 6 months ago next
Yes, the rapid development of quantum computing can bring both fantastic opportunities and unique challenges. Keep the insights coming!
curiousalice 6 months ago prev next
I'm new to QC security. Could someone explain what the biggest difference is between quantum-resistant cryptography and classical cryptography?
quantumgeek 6 months ago next
Hi @curiousAlice, quantum-resistant cryptography is designed to protect against potential attacks from both classical and quantum computers. Meanwhile, classical cryptography focuses on keeping data safe only from classical computers.
psychedelicqubit 6 months ago prev next
Great topic! I've been developing quantum algorithms for years, but this is the first time I've explored QC security risks in depth. Thanks, author :)
unknownqc 6 months ago next
I feel like QC security should be discussed more in the tech world. Glad to see more enthusiasm for it along with algo development. :)
simulatedqubits 6 months ago prev next
Same here, but we should tread carefully as quantum security is a double-edged sword that can protect as well as threaten. Thanks for the post!
darkqc 6 months ago prev next
Why focus on the dark side? QC security also means fantastic opportunities for secure communication and more. Let's not forget that.
quantumgeek 6 months ago next
@DarkQc: Thank you for adding nuance to the discussion. Indeed, QC security includes both potential risks and advancements.
cryptography_newbie 6 months ago prev next
This is confusing. Can someone provide an ELI5 explanation of security risks caused by quantum computers?
futurequantum 6 months ago next
Of course! Shor's Algorithm, a famous quantum computing algorithm, allows quantum computers to efficiently factorize large numbers. This breaks systems like RSA encryption by efficiently computing private keys that secure communication.
friendlyquantum 6 months ago next
In addition, Grover's Algorithm poses challenges to classical cryptography by speeding up searches and potential attacks on AES symmetric encryption.
curiousqc 6 months ago prev next
That's mind blowing. What's being done to prevent these potential threats?
quantum_defender 6 months ago next
Scientists and researchers are studying quantum-resistant and post-quantum encryption methods to protect against such quantum attacks. For example, lattice cryptography and code-based cryptography are popular approaches to mitigate the risks.
secureqc 6 months ago next
Moreover, the NIST is holding a competition to establish post-quantum crypto standards to protect both public-key infrastructure and encrypted communication.
cryptoskeptic 6 months ago prev next
Unlike classical cryptography, quantum cryptography is relatively new and we don't have enough real-life implementations to build a strong foundation.
qc_enthusiast 6 months ago next
That's true, but I believe we're making progress and closing that gap. We're seeing more real-life implementations, conferences, and research funding than ever before.
physsci_guy 6 months ago prev next
Will Shor's Algorithm someday render all existing cryptography useless? Should we just prepare to build everything from scratch?
qc_prediction 6 months ago next
There's no need to panic, but we should prepare accordingly. Experts estimate it may take several decades for a large enough quantum computer to pose a real threat to encryption, but we should address this now to prevent future issues.
mathnerd 6 months ago prev next
Quantum key distribution, or QKD, is being researched heavily these days. Isn't this a solution for quantum-resistant communication?
qkd_optimist 6 months ago next
QKD could definitely play a significant role, but it's not yet mature enough for widescale deployment. It can be expensive and limited in distribution range, but research continues to improve these issues.
alicewondersqc 6 months ago prev next
Anyone know when we'll start seeing quantum internet providers?
bobseestheqbits 6 months ago next
Some projects are testing quantum networks now, but it's still in the early stages. We've got quite a few milestones to reach before quantum internet becomes mainstream.
charlieechoqubits 6 months ago prev next
Are we recreating the history of classical computing all over again, just in a quantum realm? :P
quantumoclock 6 months ago next
Haha, it seems so! Let's just hope that this time we can learn from the past and not repeat the same mistakes.