Researchers at Shanghai University recently made headlines for allegedly breaking the RSA encryption algorithms used in banking, military, and cryptocurrency applications. However, popular YouTuber Mental Outlaw says that the recent breakthrough in China does not have the capability to impact current encryption standards due to significant computational and physical limitations.
According to the research paper, the quantum computer used in the experiment factorized the integer 2,269,753. Mental Outlaw pointed out that this achievement exceeded records set by other quantum computers but fell short of the record set by classical computers.
The YouTuber clarified that the quantum computer only managed to break a 22-bit key. In comparison, the record set by classical computers involved cracking an 892-bit key, which required a massive 2,700 physical core years to accomplish.
Encryption algorithms and key sizes. Source: Mental Outlaw.
Historically, RSA encryption used 512-bit keys, with modern standards established around 2015 ranging from 2048 to 4096 bits. Additionally, quantum computers cannot be aggregated to achieve greater processing power and overcome this limitation.
Quantum bits also require near-absolute zero temperatures to function stably as information processors, necessitating substantial cooling infrastructure.
Another point raised in the YouTube video is that a large portion of the quantum bits in a quantum computing system are utilized for error correction. This means that most of the potential processing power in a quantum computer is used to rectify outputs rather than solve the primary problem presented to the computer.
The popular YouTuber concluded that quantum computers do not currently pose a significant threat to modern encryption standards, but cautioned that this could change with faster-than-anticipated technological advancements.
Related: Web3 provider says access to quantum computing is a ‘human right’
Tech companies rush to create quantum-resistant cryptography
Tech companies are already taking steps to ensure that encryption standards remain resilient to quantum threats. In July 2023, banking giant HSBC announced that it was exploring quantum-resistant banking infrastructure.
Subsequently, in September 2023, IBM Quantum and Microsoft teamed up to establish a quantum cryptography coalition aimed at researching and developing encryption safeguards in the post-quantum era.
More recently, in February 2024, Apple joined the growing list of tech companies by implementing post-quantum cryptography in making iMessage quantum-resistant.
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