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Microsoft Creates a Quantum Computer-Proof Version of TLS Encryption Protocol

Posted by samzenpus on from the protect-ya-neck dept.

holy_calamity writes: When (or if) quantum computers become practical they will make existing forms of encryption useless. But now researchers at Microsoft say they have made a quantum-proof version of the TLS encryption protocol we could use to keep online data secure in the quantum computing era. It is based on a mathematical problem very difficult for both conventional and quantum computers to crack. That tougher math means data moved about 20 percent slower in comparisons with conventional TLS, but Microsoft says the design could be practical if properly tuned up for use in the real world.

6 of 128 comments (clear)

  1. 20% slowdown isn't that bad... by XxtraLarGe · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Especially if the choice is between your data being secure or not.

    --
    Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
    1. Re: 20% slowdown isn't that bad... by Krishnoid · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I bet the NSA is going, "Just charge it to the taxpayers."

    2. Re:20% slowdown isn't that bad... by ILongForDarkness · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Except that since Windows Vista every subsequent OS has been faster on the same hardware.

  2. There is no there there by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    TFA doesn't say what they're replacing the integer factorization problem with. Useless.

  3. Well, I did read TFA... by laughingcoyote · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This article is about a waste of time.

    Microsoft has developed an encryption method resistant to quantum computers, it claims. Alright? What is that method? How does it differ from current encryption techniques? Why is that well suited to encrypting against quantum computers? How did you come to that conclusion, given that you don't have one to test against? Are we just supposed to believe Microsoft when they say "Trust us, this is secure"?

    --
    To fight the war on terror, stop being afraid.
    1. Re:Well, I did read TFA... by ljw1004 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      This article is about a waste of time. Microsoft has developed an encryption method resistant to quantum computers, it claims. Alright? What is that method? How does it differ from current encryption techniques? Why is that well suited to encrypting against quantum computers? How did you come to that conclusion, given that you don't have one to test against? Are we just supposed to believe Microsoft when they say "Trust us, this is secure"?

      No of course not. You're meant to read this article, understand that it's an example of bad science journalism, and because of your innate geekiness and intellectual curiosity you should use the power of Google or Bing to find the scientific research in question:

      http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/ST...