Quantum Computers Threaten RSA Encryption Standards, Report From GCI and NATO Innovation Fund

A new report by Global Quantum Intelligence (GQI) in partnership with the NATO Innovation Fund has sparked concerns about quantum computers’ potential threat to RSA encryption standards. The “Road to Shor Era Quantum Computing” analysis challenges quantum computing developers to create a system that breaks RSA 2048 encryption. This feat would require a cryptographically relevant quantum computer.

According to Dr. David Shaw, Chief Analyst at GQI, this would necessitate a million-qubit machine, far surpassing current capabilities. The report highlights the importance of various qubit platforms, approaches to correction quantum error, and the cost of scaling towards a dominant design for quantum computing. André M. König, CEO of GQI, emphasizes that a dominant design must emerge soon to safeguard national security. The report identifies seven initial quantum computing vendors with roadmaps towards this goal, including their hardware analysis and investment landscape.

Can Quantum Computers Break RSA Encryption: An Analysis

The advent of quantum computers has sparked concerns about the security of traditional encryption methods, particularly RSA encryption standards. In a recent report titled “Road to Shor Era Quantum Computing,” Global Quantum Intelligence (GQI) in partnership with the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of quantum computing. It identifies key factors that will determine the emergence of a dominant design that breaks RSA 2048 encryption standards.

The Current State of Quantum Computing

The report highlights the importance of various qubit platforms, approaches to quantum error correction (QEC), and the actual cost of scaling towards a dominant design for quantum computing. One key question is whether modules are part of a scalable strategy and how key performance indicators, such as 2Q gate fidelity, speed of operations, measurement with realistic code cycle, and an effective logical cycle perform. Crucially, couplers or interconnects that can coherently connect modules are required to achieve modular scaling.

The report identifies two distinct, high-level architectures in quantum computing: monolithic arrays of qubits with scalable modules and distributed quantum computing, either pure photon-based or matter qubits plus photons. Dr. David Shaw, Chief Analyst at GQI, emphasizes the need to understand these differences, stating that “classical analogies are unhelpful” and that this is a “pure quantum-on-quantum battle.”

The Threat to RSA Encryption Standards

The report challenges quantum computing (QC) developers to extend their usual hardware roadmaps to a system able to break RSA 2048, a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC). This approach clearly focuses on crucial scaling challenges. For instance, a million qubits is not a large-scale machine if surface code error correction is the sole scaling factor.

GQI and NIF identify seven initial quantum computing vendors with roadmaps towards this goal and provide a deep analysis of their hardware. The report also discusses the investment landscape and the potential for significant mergers and acquisitions in the sector.

The Importance of Quantum Error Correction

Quantum error correction is critical in developing a dominant design for quantum computing. The report highlights the importance of various approaches to QEC, including surface code error correction and the actual cost of scaling towards a dominant design.

Dr. David Shaw notes that “forcing the large system view brought crucial scaling challenges clearly into focus.” This emphasizes the need for QC developers to consider the scalability of their designs and the importance of quantum error correction in achieving this goal.

The Future of Quantum Computing

The report provides a roadmap for quantum computing companies to develop technologies that have the potential to become the dominant design and safeguard our future. André M. König, CEO of GQI, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach, stating that “once a dominant design emerges, it is hard to displace.”

As the development of quantum computers continues, it is essential to consider the potential threats to traditional encryption methods and the importance of developing secure alternatives. The report provides valuable insights into the current state of quantum computing and the key factors determining the emergence of a dominant design that breaks RSA 2048 encryption standards.

In conclusion, the “Road to Shor Era Quantum Computing” report comprehensively analyzes the current state of quantum computing. It identifies key factors determining the emergence of a dominant design that breaks RSA 2048 encryption standards. As the development of quantum computers continues to advance, it is essential to consider the potential threats to traditional encryption methods and the importance of developing secure alternatives.

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Quantum News

As the Official Quantum Dog (or hound) by role is to dig out the latest nuggets of quantum goodness. There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that might be considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing space.

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