NSA doesn't think quantum computers can break public key encryption

Date:
Fri, 03 Sep 2021 16:27:06 +0000

Description:
Quantum computers wont be powerful enough to break todays encryption, but
lets develop quantum-resistant algorithms, NSA suggests.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

The US National Security Agency (NSA) isnt really sure when or even if
quantum computers will be able to crack public key cryptography .

Post-Quantum Cryptography is an emerging field of research, with researchers devising mechanisms to shore up current encryption algorithms against the seemingly unlimited computing performance promised by quantum computers.

The NSA however has expressed its reservations about the potential of quantum computing in a FAQ titled Quantum Computing and Post-Quantum Cryptography. Check out our list of the best cloud computing services right now These are the best cloud hosting services on the market We've built a list of the best workstations on the market

NSA does not know when or even if a quantum computer of sufficient size and power to exploit public key cryptography (a CRQC) will exist, said the security agency in response to whether it is worried about the potential of adversarial use of quantum computing. Encryption isnt the weakest link

Public-key encryption drives most of the standards and protocols on the internet and the cloud, which help ensure the integrity of the data even when its been hijacked by snoopers.

In the FAQ, the NSA describes a Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computer (CRQC) as a quantum computer thats capable of actually attacking real world cryptographic systems, something thats currently infeasible.

While it agrees that such a computer would be devastating to the digital security infrastructure, it seems to suggest that it doesnt believe such a CRQC would ever materialize.

However, the growing research in quantum computing has moved the agency to also support the development of post-quantum cryptographic standards, along with plans for eventual transition to such standards.

However, speaking to industry experts, The Register concludes that research
on cryptography standards arent much of a concern to cybersecurity specialists.

In a world where users will divulge their passwords in return for chocolate
or in response to an enticing phishing email , the risk of quantum computers might not be our biggest threat, Martin Lee, a technical lead at Cisco's
Talos security division told The Register . Need something more portable? Check out the best mobile workstations

Via The Register



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/nsa-doesnt-think-quantum-computers-can-break-pu blic-key-encryption/


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