In a groundbreaking yet concerning development for global cybersecurity, Chinese researchers have demonstrated how quantum computing could accelerate the downfall of current encryption methods. Using D-Wave’s quantum annealing systems, the researchers have successfully cracked classic encryption techniques, potentially fast-tracking the timeline for when quantum computers could undermine the cryptographic systems that protect sensitive information worldwide.

The research, published in the Chinese Journal of Computers under the title “Quantum Annealing Public Key Cryptographic Attack Algorithm Based on D-Wave Advantage,” highlights how D-Wave’s quantum machines were able to break RSA encryption and launch attacks on symmetric encryption algorithms. These findings pose serious questions about the future of cybersecurity.

Led by Wang Chao of Shanghai University, the team discovered that D-Wave’s quantum systems optimize problem-solving capabilities, enabling them to attack cryptographic methods such as RSA. “Using the D-Wave Advantage, we successfully factored a 22-bit RSA integer, demonstrating the potential for quantum machines to tackle cryptographic problems,” the researchers noted.

Their work didn’t stop with RSA. They also targeted algorithms central to the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), including Present, Rectangle, and the Gift-64 block cipher. “Our findings show that D-Wave’s quantum technology can efficiently target encryption systems that protect sensitive information globally,” the researchers wrote.

The ability of quantum computers to disrupt encryption systems such as RSA and ECC, long considered secure due to their reliance on complex mathematical problems, is becoming increasingly clear. Prabhjyot Kaur, a senior analyst at Everest Group, emphasized the seriousness of these findings: “Many cryptographic algorithms that enterprises rely on today are computationally difficult for classical computers to solve efficiently. However, the advent of quantum computing threatens the security of these algorithms.”

This study suggests that the potential threat from quantum computers could be much closer than previously expected. Experts have long believed that quantum machines would eventually render current encryption systems obsolete, but this research brings that future into sharper, more immediate focus.

“The advancement of quantum computers can seriously threaten data security and privacy for various enterprises, affecting fundamental principles such as confidentiality, integrity, and authentication,” Kaur added. As quantum computing continues to evolve, the need for robust, quantum-safe cryptographic solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Many companies are already developing these post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) systems, but the findings from Wang Chao’s team emphasize that the window to implement such defenses is rapidly closing.

This research serves as a stark reminder for the cybersecurity community. Quantum computing’s rapid progression requires immediate attention to the security of our digital infrastructure. “The growing threat from quantum computers requires immediate attention to ensure the security of our digital future,” the researchers cautioned in their paper.

As Kaur noted, “The early and widespread use of quantum computers could wreak havoc, enabling new advanced cyberattacks that are impossible using classical computers. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is the solution to this problem.”

With the potential for quantum computing to disrupt existing encryption technologies, cybersecurity experts must urgently reassess encryption strategies to protect sensitive data from future quantum-based threats.

By Impact Lab