Quantum computers have recently gone from science fiction to science fact. The tech has the potential to advance countless fields with its unparalleled computing power, but it may also spell the end of internet security as we know it. You are likely wondering what the heck is a quantum computer? And what does it have to do with internet security?
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Quantum Vs. Classical
In simple terms, classical computers use a system of 1’s and 0’s called bits in order to store information. Each bit can either be a 1 or a 0, and when you string lots of bits together, you can form complex information. Computing power is limited by how fast these bits can be read.
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Qubits are like bits, but instead of being limited as either a 1 or a 0, they can be both a 1, a 0, and anything in between all at the same time. While this concept may make your brain hurt, the important takeaway is that qubits allow quantum computers to skip step by step computing.
Let’s say you take a test. You answer the first question, then the second, and so on. This is how a normal computer works, but a quantum computer would be able to answer all the questions simultaneously.
Understanding the basics, let’s figure out why internet security might be in the crosshairs of quantum computers.
Encryption for Everyone
You rely on encryption every day to keep your personal information safe online. While different encryption methods vary, the most common of these are public key encryptions.
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If I told you to multiply 556 by 632, you could easily use a calculator to find 351,392. But if I gave you that number and asked you to find two specific factors, you could come up with a bunch of different answers.
Public key encryption jumbles up information and hides it behind a really large number like a “door”. To unlock this door you need the right factors or the “key”. Use a large enough number, and even the most powerful conventional computers would need thousands of years to crack the code.
Quantum Codebreaking
Factoring these large numbers would be easy for a quantum computer, as it would be able to guess every answer at the same time. A recent study published by the International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications concluded that:
“The consequence of this technological advancement is the absolute collapse of the present public key algorithms that are considered secure…” (IJACSA)
Using qubits, computers could break a code that would take normal computers thousands of years to crack in mere hours. For a more complete understanding of how this could work check out this video:
Thankfully quantum computers still have a ways to go before they pose a real threat to our online security. Researchers are also developing quantum proof encryption, but who knows if it will be able to protect us from the coming quantum era.
– Declan O’Driscoll
