Quantum Computing Applications in Cryptanalysis

The problems that we once called “NP-complete” probably should now be rephrased “NP-complete with conventional computers” because they may no longer be NP-complete when Quantum Computers are used. As an example, the binary satisfiability problem or 3SAT can potentially be reduced, using Grover’s algorithm, to a non-NP problem. For algorithm researchers, Quantum Computing is a huge breakthrough. But for security researchers, this is a major headache. Classical cryptographic systems, such as RSA and ECC, essentially rely on the difficulty of problems like integer factorization and discrete logarithms. Quantum algorithms, particularly Shor's algorithm, can solve these problems efficiently, potentially breaking these cryptosystems.   Post-quantum cryptography focuses on developing algorithms that remain secure even in the presence of quantum computers. These algorithms are based on mathematical problems that are believed to be hard for both classical and quantum computers. Some examples include Lattice-based cryptography, based on the hardness of lattice problems; code-based cryptography that uses error-correcting codes and is based on problems like the syndrome decoding problem; more advanced hash-based cryptography that includes schemes like Merkle tree signatures; multivariate polynomial cryptography that is based on the difficulty of solving systems of multivariate polynomial equations; and Super-singular elliptic curve isogeny cryptography (SIDH) that utilizes the difficulty of finding isogenies between super-singular elliptic curves. It is a very important problem to solve and I’m so glad that Intel is actively working on it. My crypto team recently completed a POC project on it.  

Headline: EU Raises Alarm Over Quantum Cybersecurity Risks as Quantum Tech Accelerates ⸻ Introduction: As the quantum computing race intensifies, the European Union has unveiled a new strategy to harness the transformative potential of quantum technologies. However, this leap forward also triggers a dire warning: current encryption systems face collapse in the wake of quantum advances. Cybersecurity experts are calling it a “quantum security doomsday” — a point at which quantum computers could easily decrypt today’s most trusted digital protections. ⸻ Key Details and Strategic Developments: 1. The EU’s Quantum Strategy and Lag Behind Rivals • The European Commission introduced a new quantum strategy to stimulate investment, convert academic knowledge into economic value, and catch up with the U.S. and China, who lead in quantum research and deployment. • Quantum tech is seen as essential for breakthroughs in drug discovery, battery development, satellite navigation, space defense, and secure communications. 2. The Looming Cybersecurity Crisis • The greatest concern lies in quantum computing’s ability to break public key cryptography, which currently secures: • Online banking • Government and military communications • Personal data on the internet • Once scalable quantum computers arrive, they could instantly defeat RSA and ECC-based encryption, making most digital infrastructure vulnerable to breaches. 3. Urgency of Post-Quantum Security (PQS) • The EU has set a target for critical infrastructure to migrate to post-quantum cryptography by 2030. • This echoes similar moves in the U.S., where NIST has begun formalizing quantum-safe algorithms. • Experts warn of a “harvest now, decrypt later” threat, in which sensitive encrypted data is already being collected for future quantum decryption. 4. Investment and Preparedness Gap • Despite its robust academic research, Europe trails in commercialization and industrial adoption of quantum systems. • The European Commission’s quantum initiative aims to unify efforts across member states, enhance public-private collaboration, and promote quantum-resilient cybersecurity policies. ⸻ Why This Matters: The rise of quantum computing represents both a generational opportunity and an existential cybersecurity threat. While the EU’s strategy signals a proactive stance, the clock is ticking for governments and businesses worldwide to adopt quantum-safe encryption. A delayed response could lead to catastrophic breaches of data, communications, and national security systems. The race to quantum supremacy is not just about speed — it’s about security, resilience, and the ability to future-proof global infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/gEmHdXZy

Shor’s Algorithm Breaks 5-Bit Cryptographic Key. The experiment successfully broke a 5-bit elliptic curve cryptographic key using a quantum attack based on Shor’s algorithm, executed on IBM’s 133-qubit IBM_Torino processor. A key innovation lies in the method’s ability to extract the secret key without directly encoding it into the quantum circuit, enhancing security against certain attacks. The approach focuses on interfering over a specific subgroup of the elliptic curve, allowing researchers to reveal key information through quantum measurement, which manifests as a distinct pattern in the quantum data. https://lnkd.in/ePfJrv5r