The US National Security Agency (NSA) isn't sure when or even if quantum computers will be able to crack public-key cryptography. Post-quantum cryptography is an emerging area of research, with scholars inventing mechanisms to strengthen current encryption algorithms against the supposedly unlimited computational performance promised by quantum computers. The NSA, however, has expressed reservations about the potential of quantum computing in a regular question titled Quantum Computing and Post-Quantum Cryptography. "The NSA does not know when or even if there will be a quantum computer of sufficient size and power to extract public key cryptography (a CRQC)," the security agency said in response to whether it is concerned about the potential of contradictory use of quantum computing. .
Encryption is not the weak link
Public-key encryption governs most standards and protocols on the Internet and the cloud, helping to ensure data integrity even when it's been hijacked by snoops. In the FAQ, the NSA describes a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) as a quantum computer capable of attacking real-world cryptographic systems, which is currently not feasible. While he agrees that such a computer would be "devastating" to the digital security infrastructure, he seems to suggest that he doesn't think such a CRQC will ever materialize. However, increasing research in quantum computing has led the agency to also support the development of post-quantum cryptographic standards, as well as plans for an eventual transition to such standards. However, speaking with industry experts, The Register concludes that research on cryptographic standards is not of great concern to cybersecurity specialists. "In a world where users leak their passwords in exchange for chocolate or in response to a tempting phishing email, the danger of quantum computers may not be our biggest threat," said Martin Lee, Security Division Technical Manager. Cisco Talos. . through registration