Time Running Out for Public Key Encryption

holy_calamity writes "Two research teams have independently made quantum computers that run the prime-number-factorising Shor's algorithm — a significant step towards breaking public key cryptography. Most of the article is sadly behind a pay-wall, but a blog post at the New Scientist site nicely explains how the algorithm works. From the blurb: 'The advent of quantum computers that can run a routine called Shor's algorithm could have profound consequences. It means the most dangerous threat posed by quantum computing - the ability to break the codes that protect our banking, business and e-commerce data - is now a step nearer reality. Adding to the worry is the fact that this feat has been performed by not one but two research groups, independently of each other. One team is led by Andrew White at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, and the other by Chao-Yang Lu of the University of Science and Technology of China, in Hefei.'"

Comments

That is nothing

[MyLongNickName]

I have developed an algorithm to efficiently decrypt ROT-26. You will need to use it to read this encrypted message.

Re:That is nothing

[syrinx]

I have developed an algorithm to efficiently decrypt ROT-26. You will need to use it to read this encrypted message.

The joke is on you: I've already upgraded all my encryption to ROT-52.

Re:That is nothing

[ookabooka]

ROT52 is radically different than ROT26 and has its own problems, triple ROT26 (3ROT26) is much more feasible with today's technology and far easier to implement.

Re:That is nothing

[Hyperspite]

Obviously you've missed the point. ROT26 is the most remarkable algorithm to date for they are HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT!

Re:I'm not sure how big of a deal this is.

[MarkovianChained]

"In other news, man with quantum computer reported missing...."

Re:I'm not sure how big of a deal this is.

[zippthorne]

...His velocity, however, is known precisely.

Re:Yeah, but...

[Selfbain]

Depends on the observer.

Re:More like the Chinese gov

[koh]

Chinese secret services are so secret they don't even have a name. Actually, they don't even need one.

sigh

[Ant P.]

I finally went and figured out gpg just this week and it's already about to be obsoleted...

Re:Not the end

[Anonymous Coward]

The quantum computer referenced in the summary managed the immense feat of finding the factors of the number 15. ...well come on then, tell us, what are they?

Re:I'm not sure how big of a deal this is.

[russ1337]

>>> ""In other news, man with quantum computer reported missing....""

From the account of witnesses, Police believe the man may be traveling inside a box and there is a possibility he is now dead, and alive.

Re:More like the Chinese gov

[Anonymous Coward]

Does anyone know the name of the Chinese equivalent of the CIA, KGB and MI6?

Jet Li.

Re:More like the Chinese gov

[Roofus]

Right! Well, them and a former college age hacker turned Mob IT manager turned world saviour.

Think of it Marty. No more rich people, no more poor people, everybody's the same

Brain's Alzheimer disease algorithm.

[Neanderthal Ninny]

I'm going to use my brain's Alzheimer disease algorithm to encrypt everything since in a few years I won't able to remember anything and therefore no one would be able to get it, ever. Now where the heck I put my car keys at...

Re:post-quantum cryptography

[Intron]

They have also left out the One Time Pad system - still unbreakable.

I will be passing all my public keys through two slits and keeping one of them under observation at all times from now on. That should keep me safe from quantum computers.

Naw

[Anonymous Coward]

They are named Ching Chong Chowmein.

Re:why?

[TheRaven64]

Yes they can, all you need is a separate, point-to-point, 100% secure, path with the same data rate as your Internet connection to send the OTP.

Hmm. I see what you mean.

Re:More like the Chinese gov

[FuzzyFox]

Ancient Chinese Secret, huh?