One of the most disruptive uses for a future quantum computer is the ability to crack encryption. A new algorithm could significantly lower the barrier to achieving this. So far 1000 qubits are state-of-the-art.
The standard RSA encryption algorithm uses 2048 bits to guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of data for digital interactions. A quantum computer with 10’000 qubits would take 104 days to crack it.
Computer scientist Oded Regev has discovered a new algorithm that could reduce the number of qubits required substantially. If true, that could enable much smaller quantum computers to crack RSA encryption.
The research indicates that the need for shifting to new quantum strategies might happen much faster.
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