Are Quantum Computers Beating RSA and AES Data Encryption?

Craig: so this is interesting, but also, take it with a grain of salt, everyone. so chinese researchers, again, china, can't really trust, a lot of stuff that comes out of there. the stuff that we're talking about right now, it hasn't been independently verified. so this is just an article that just came out. they've, they, reportedly demonstrated that d wave's quantum annealing computers can crack the widely used encryption methods including rsa and aes. so for those of you that don't know, rsa and aes are pretty much used in everything as far as encryption goes nowadays, for the most part. there are newer encryptions that are coming out, like, i think, p q three, and i think apple developed that one, which is apparently quantum, proof. and i think we covered it. i can't remember. i don't know if i just did a deep dive into it and we didn't talk about it. but, yeah. so they reported factoring a fifty bit rsa integer using the d wave advantage system. and, also, they were able to demonstrate, apparently, vulnerabilities in algorithms essential to aes, such as present rectangle and gif six block ciphers. so, a lot of mathematical talk, everyone, but they are claiming that they've cracked both, which is the underlying encryption that's being used right now.

Jon: so we talked about post quantum encryption and puke the p q three was just mentioned when we were talking about it. yeah. so we didn't do a deep dive specifically on this. so res, like you said, and as are like trusty locks on our digital doors. rsa or rivest shamir aldo aldman has been our go to since seventies for secure communication. it uses a clever method of hiding keys in plain sight, factoring large primes, making it difficult for anyone without the right key to peek inside. on the other hand, aes or advanced encryption standard is our speedster employing a single secret key for lightning fast data protection. together, they form a crucial defense in our digital lives. so keeping everything from online banking to whatever our cat videos are on our phone are safe. so when quantum computers can break this, it all of a sudden makes the whole internet vulnerable.

Craig: it does. and one thing to note is they broke a fifty bit rsa integer. right now, what's being currently used, i think there's two forty eight and even four ninety six bit rsa keys. maybe not four ninety six. i think four ninety six is being considered. so, it's far from breaking practical rsa encryption. okay? but it's it's apparently a, a first step if it actually happened.

Jon: yeah. and if you can see the image here, this is a d wave refrigerator used to cool the, the vesus visus, chip to zero point zero two degrees above absolute zero. so you need this in order to do it. oh, my camera became disconnected. well, just as long as you can hear me, we'll keep going.

Craig: yeah. i

Jon: can still hear you. yeah. alright. yeah. you see that? so not only that, but like you mentioned, it was only fifty bit rsa, and we're usually doing two fifty six at this point, aren't we, or a thousand twenty four or, two thousand

Craig: we are currently doing twenty forty eight yeah. and four ninety six well, twenty yeah. we're doing, what's the one, twelve thousand twenty four? we're doing a thousand twenty four, but twenty forty eight and four ninety four zero nine six bits are being considered. but if they're already at fifty bit, how much longer till they get to two forty eight if they're at fifty?

Jon: yeah. and, it also demonstrated the vulnerability of algorithms essential to aes such as present rectangle and gif sixty four block ciphers. these encryption centers are used by major organization and governments worldwide, so that could be compromised as quantum continues to evolve. so i guess i'm we're starting to see a peak at the power of quantum, but, it's just a peak.

Craig: yeah. yeah. it's a peak, but that peak's gonna that that, the peak is gonna get higher and higher and higher. and we're just gonna keep over reaching that peak more and more and quicker and quicker, i think. but who knows?

Jon: yeah. the researchers are waving the quantum flag, brandishing shor's new algorithm like a magic wand, capable of turning these algorithm, these encryption giants into paperweights. this algorithm takes advantage of quirky behaviors of quantum mechanics making that once took that once took an eon into a sunday stroll in the park. for reference, if traditional computing is like navigating a maze with a flashlight, quantum computing is akin to having a bird's eye view.

Craig: yeah.

Jon: so if rsa goes down, we might as well throw a digital party for hackers and digital thieves because your sensitive company's emails, all your information, you know, will be there for the taking. while aes is a tougher nut to crack, quantum algorithms are sharpening their teeth, suggesting nothing is truly safe if we don't adapt. researchers are already on the hunt for quantum resistant algorithms like lattice based cryptography, which sounds like something out of futuristic, kitchen appliance ad. only it's essential for data protection. so where do you see this going in the future?

Craig: well, i think just companies are gonna come up with new algorithms that are, quote, unquote, quantum proof, and different ways of encrypting, data. and i think that's that's the best way that we can go. obviously, implementing new cybersecurity measures, for, for protecting data. but i don't know. there's there's a lot of different ways that this could go. there's a lot of different options and a lot of different tech that could be developed that we don't even know yet. right? what do you think?

Jon: i think you're right on the money. sorry. i was playing around. like, i got my camera back, but i'm in green screen mode. things need to change. everyone thinks internet moves really fast, but it moves really slow. like, two thousand forty eight bit encryption has been around, you know, for years and years and years, and we're still just moving our encryption certificates towards it. so, you know, it's a race to fortify our virtual walls before, you know, quantum power becomes to the point of being able to break everything. so we need to definitely yeah. increase our encryption, take a look at potential technologies like you mentioned, the p q three, p q meaning post quantum encryption.

Craig: yeah.

Jon: that those technologies which won't necessarily fall prey to, the quantum attacks, you know? if current methods crumble under quantum pressure, we'll need to play a game of encryption leapfrog. so, you know, imagine business gearing up to adopt advanced crumble proof methods for securing data like encrypted messages on steroids. so you might have encryption and encryption because of these things. you know, with rapid advancement in quantum technology, are we ready to face a world where encryption methods are no longer reliable? what are your thoughts on the future of cybersecurity in the wake of these quantum leaps? you know? if information wants to be free, is this the way it's gonna happen? let us know. head over to socials, and do you think it's time to rethink our digital safety nets? or, you know, like i said, if information, wants to be free, maybe if all the data's out there and we have no secrets anymore, maybe the world would be a better place.

Craig: yeah. good luck with that.

Jon: i know. i know. i'm dreaming.