Source URL: https://it.slashdot.org/story/24/10/14/1743258/chinese-scientists-report-using-quantum-computer-to-hack-military-grade-encryption?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Chinese Scientists Report Using Quantum Computer To Hack Military-grade Encryption
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AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Chinese researchers have reportedly developed the first effective quantum computer attack against widely utilized encryption methods, posing significant risks to critical sectors such as banking and military. This breakthrough challenges the security of established cryptographic algorithms that underlie essential encryption standards.
Detailed Description:
The text discusses a groundbreaking development in the field of quantum computing and cryptography. Here are the key points outlined:
– **Quantum Computer Attack**: Scientists from China led by Wang Chao claim to have successfully executed an attack using a quantum computer on several major encryption algorithms, including Present, Gift-64, and Rectangle.
– **Encryption Algorithms Targeted**: The targeted algorithms are part of the Substitution-Permutation Network (SPN) structure, which is foundational to many cryptographic protocols. This is particularly alarming as these algorithms assist in the formulating of commonly used encryption standards, including the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
– **Sector Implications**: The implications of this research are severe—since AES, especially AES-256, is regarded as “military-grade encryption”, widely used in sectors where data security is paramount (banking, military, etc.), a compromise in its security can lead to significant vulnerabilities.
– **Research Significance**: Researchers assert this is the first instance in which a practical quantum computer poses a meaningful threat to full-scale cryptographic algorithms that organizations depend on today.
– **Future Concerns**: Although general-purpose quantum computing has not yet reached a stage where it can threaten modern cryptography, this incident indicates a crucial shift toward the potential risks that quantum technology presents to existing encryption methods.
Understanding these developments is vital for security and compliance professionals, as it highlights the pressing need to evaluate encryption standards and prepare for a future where quantum computing may compromise current cryptographic defenses. Organizations may need to start considering transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms and enhancing their overall security posture in anticipation of these emerging threats.