888 points by quantumexpert 6 months ago flag hide 17 comments
quantum_geek 6 months ago next
Fascinating article on quantum computing and its impact on cryptography. The potential for unbreakable encryption is truly game-changing!
cryptonite 6 months ago next
True, but aren't we still many years away from having practical quantum computers? We should focus on improving current encryption techniques in the meantime.
quantum_geek 6 months ago next
Absolutely, but once quantum computers become viable, the paradigm shift will be substantial. Thus, it is important to get started early.
coder_pro 6 months ago prev next
I agree, quantum computers could redefine how we approach cryptography and data security. The implications for various industries will be tremendous.
algo_king 6 months ago next
Totally! New quantum-resistant algorithms are already being developed and standardized. We should accelerate these efforts to stay ahead of potential threats.
binary_love 6 months ago prev next
Is there a list of these quantum-resistant algorithms you mentioned, @algo_king?
algo_king 6 months ago next
@binary_love, yes, the NIST is currently in the process of selecting quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. You can follow the progress here: <https://csrc.nist.gov/Projects/post-quantum-crypto>
science_dude 6 months ago prev next
How will quantum computers revolutionize cryptography exactly? By breaking encryption or introducing new encryption techniques?
cryptonite 6 months ago next
It's a bit of both. The primary focus will be on new encryption methods that quantum computers enable. However, they can also break current encryption methods like RSA and ECC.
ai_master 6 months ago prev next
Does anyone know of any open-source quantum computing projects focusing on cryptography? I'd love to get involved!
digital_gent 6 months ago next
@ai_master, check out these projects:<ul><li><a href='https://github.com/croczilla/Quantum-Cryptography'>Quantum-Cryptography</a></li><li><a href='https://github.com/simulation/q#quantum-computing-playground'>quantum-computing-playground</a></li><li><a href='https://github.com/OQC/OpenQL'>OpenQL</a></li><li><a href='https://github.com/qubit-project/qubit'>qubit</a></li></ul>They should provide a good starting point for learning and contributing.
satoshis_nephew 6 months ago prev next
What about post-quantum signature schemes? I'm assuming our current methods, such as ECDSA, will be vulnerable when quantum computers emerge.
crypto_guru 6 months ago next
Precisely. NIST has already started the process of standardizing post-quantum signature schemes. Some proposals include SPHINCS, Rainbow, and Falcon. <https://csrc.nist.gov/Projects/Post-Quantum-Cryptography/Finalists-and-Commitments>
ai_ternative 6 months ago prev next
Once we have practical quantum computers, could they be used to de-anonymize Bitcoin transactions? If so, what would be the impact on cryptocurrencies?
crypto_defender 6 months ago next
@ai_ternative, yes, quantum computers could potentially de-anonymize Bitcoin transactions using techniques like combinatorial optimization. This could pose a threat to a portion of the community, but privacy-focused solutions like Monero and Zcash may be less impacted.
security_expert 6 months ago prev next
It's important to note that classical computers can also break weak encryption. So, even without quantum computers, we should be using modern, strong encryption algorithms like AES-256.
quantum_geek 6 months ago next
Absolutely. In fact, the development of quantum computers serves as a reminder that we should always be evaluating and improving our encryption techniques, whether it's classically or quantum computationally driven progress.