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Schneier Calls Quantum Cryptography Impressive But Pointless

Posted by timothy on from the science-fair-project dept.

KindMind writes "Bruce Schneier writes in Wired that quantum cryptography, while an awesome technology, is actually pointless (that is, of no commercial value). His point is that the science of cryptography is not the weak point, but the other links in the chain (like people, etc.) are where it breaks down."

22 of 233 comments (clear)

  1. A billion photons... by alexborges · · Score: 5, Funny

    Are now running for their jobs.

    Thanks bruce.

    --
    NO SIG
    1. Re:A billion photons... by The+Moof · · Score: 5, Funny

      No need to worry, I'll just observe them and put them out of their misery.

  2. ummmm by EncryptedSoldier · · Score: 5, Funny

    meow

    1. Re:ummmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Yes, he does. He also doesn't.

    2. Re:ummmm by grcumb · · Score: 3, Funny

      Er...

      "Bruce Schneier knows the state of Schroedinger's cat?"

      Actually, he remains ambivalent until someone asks him.

      --
      Crumb's Corollary: Never bring a knife to a bun fight.
  3. I know what to do by kcbanner · · Score: 2, Funny

    Someone encrypt his hard drive with quantum encryption...see how pointless it is then!

    --
    Obligatory blog plug: http://www.caseybanner.ca/
    1. Re:I know what to do by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      "So, are my files destroyed?"

      "I'm sorry sir, we won't know until we look."

      "Well, isn't that obvious? What am I paying you people for? Next thing you'll tell me a cat ate my data."

      "Actually, sir, it *is* possible that a c--"

      "You're fired."

      Yes, it is pointless. I see what you mean.

    2. Re:I know what to do by KDR_11k · · Score: 5, Funny

      This is Bruce Schneier we're talking about. Bruce Schneier can decrypt quantum encryption by giving it a stern look.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
  4. Re:sure... by Prof.Phreak · · Score: 5, Funny

    factors the products of large prime numbers in log(n) time

    That's easy, just use sqrt(n) computers.

    --

    "If anything can go wrong, it will." - Murphy

  5. What Schneier is trying to say: by paniq · · Score: 5, Funny

    Quantum cryptography may appear like serious matter on close inspection, but when you look away, it's just a wave.

    --
    Do not trust this signature.
    1. Re:What Schneier is trying to say: by exley · · Score: 2, Funny

      Are you certain about that?

  6. What a pussy. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    What a pussy.

  7. Re:While I appreciate the spirit of the article... by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 2, Funny

    It has been and still is true that adept social engineering can break any security scheme, due to the vulnerability of the people involved.

    And unfortunately, if you take the people out of the loop, you're letting WOPR become Skynet.

    --
    Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
  8. Re:Hard to argue with the general point. by darkvizier · · Score: 2, Funny

    use rock on wife
    > wife is dead
    Lock door.
    > you hear a grue scratching outside

  9. Re:Hard to argue with the general point. by colesw · · Score: 2, Funny

    Car-resistant walls won't help unless you have a plane proof roof.

  10. Re:Hard to argue with the general point. by CrashPoint · · Score: 4, Funny

    And what good is that plane-proof roof going to be when the Mole People come tunneling up through your foundation?

  11. Re:Hard to argue with the general point. by Rogerborg · · Score: 2, Funny

    And that is why we need Eddie Van Halen. [Air guitar]

    --
    If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
  12. Re:Hard to argue with the general point. by bornwaysouth · · Score: 3, Funny

    No problem. I live in a total concrete and steel, all-walls, roof and floor, bunker.
    Made by a big International company - bin Laden Group, based in Jidda.
    Works perfectly.

    To communicate with you, I am thumping on the walls.

    If you are listening, could you please cut a hole in the wall.
    An upgrade is necessary - I need air.

  13. Re:sure... by Lachryma · · Score: 5, Funny

    Give me any large prime, and I will factor it for you instantly!

  14. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  15. Re:sure... by hellop2 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yeah, but it's a small infinity.

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  16. Re:Of course he does by definate · · Score: 2, Funny

    Shut your mouth!

    I think you need to read some facts about Bruce Schneier!

    http://geekz.co.uk/schneierfacts/

    --
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