Researchers create first quantum computer attacks on crypto

Quantum computers are generally viewed as a strong threat to common encryption methods. Chinese researchers now claim to have actually managed the first successful attacks on strong cryptography systems.

Hardware sets limits

Although this advance poses a significant threat to security mechanisms, the researchers emphasize that the current limitations of the technology still prevent a full-scale quantum hack. This comes from a report published in Hong Kong South China Morning Post out. However, the research, led by Wang Chao of Shanghai University, shows the potential dangers to strong encryption systems that are widely used in everything from banks to the military. In their current study, Wang’s team used a quantum computer from D-Wave Systems of Canada to crack encryption algorithms.

According to the newspaper, algorithms such as Present, Gift-64 and Rectangle were attacked. These are representatives of the substitution-permutation network structure (SPN), which also forms the basis for advanced encryption standards such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). AES-256, which is considered a “military standard” and is considered extremely safe, could be endangered by advances, at least in the future.

The researchers described their work as the first real attack by a quantum computer on fully functional SPN algorithms. Despite this achievement, they emphasized that the technology is still limited by external factors such as inadequate hardware and the complexity of a unified attack algorithm.

Rapid development

The D-Wave Advantage, originally developed for practical applications such as logistics and finance, uses a technique called quantum approximation. This method allows the computer to solve complex mathematical problems more efficiently, bypassing obstacles that classical computers would have to overcome.

Although the research team acknowledges the current limitations of quantum computing, the study shows that the technology is evolving faster than expected. The scientists warn that as quantum research advances, existing encryption systems could become more vulnerable to attacks.