Researchers in the Shanghai crackdown use encryption techniques commonly used with quantum computers

Main restaurants

• A team from the University of Shanghai has successfully attacked commonly used encryption methods using a quantum computer.
• The researchers used a D-Wave Advantage quantum computer to crack cryptographic algorithms such as Present, Gift-64 and Rectangle.
• This progress brings us closer than ever to cracking strong encryption like AES.

Researchers from the University of Scotland Shanghai has achieved a major milestone by successfully attacking commonly used encryption techniques using a quantum computer. This breakthrough, published in the Chinese Journal of Computers, reveals a potential vulnerability in current cryptographic systems that critical industries such as finance and defense rely on.

The team used a D-Wave Advantage quantum computer, designed for special problem-solving tasks, to crack cryptographic algorithms called Present, Gift-64 and Rectangle. These algorithms are compatible with the foundation of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), widely considered the gold standard in encryption. Although the exact passwords have not yet been released, this research brings us closer than ever to cracking such strong encryption.

Breaks and bounds

This achievement marks the first case where a real quantum computer has clearly threatened the structured SPN algorithms currently in use. The researchers emphasize that while general purpose quantum computers are still limited, specialized quantum computers such as the D-Wave Advantage pose a substantial threat to existing cryptographic defenses.

The team used a new computing architecture that combines quantum annealing with traditional mathematical techniques. Quantum annealing, an algorithm similar to the process of metal hardening by heating and cooling, makes it possible to solve complex mathematical problems by using quantum tunneling to find the best solution. This approach effectively transforms real-world problems into binary optimization problems that can be solved with the D-Wave Advantage.

To come

Despite these advances, the researchers recognize the limitations of current quantum computing technology, including environmental constraints, hardware development challenges, and the inability of a single algorithm to handle multiple cryptographic systems. .

Looking ahead, this research paves the way for future developments that integrate artificial intelligence algorithms with quantum effects and mathematical techniques, which could lead to a new paradigm for computing.

If you want access to all articles, enjoy our promo for a while and subscribe here!