Chinese scientists use quantum computers to crack military-grade encryption

Chinese researchers have reportedly demonstrated a significant threat to classical cryptography, particularly the widely used RSA and AES encryption algorithms, by successfully executing a quantum attack using a D-Wave quantum computer. This breakthrough, detailed in a research paper titled "Quantum Annealing Public Key Cryptographic Attack Algorithm Based on D-Wave Advantage," outlines two approaches that leverage quantum annealing to challenge the security of these cryptographic standards. The first method relies solely on D-Wave's quantum capabilities, while the second combines classical cryptographic techniques with quantum algorithms to enhance attack efficacy. The researchers, led by Wang Chao from Shanghai University, claim to have breached the substitution-permutation network (SPN) structure that underpins these encryption methods. This development raises concerns about the future security of military-grade encryption, prompting organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to explore post-quantum cryptographic solutions designed to withstand potential quantum attacks.

- Chinese scientists have successfully executed a quantum attack on RSA and AES encryption.

- The research utilized a D-Wave quantum computer and outlined two attack methods.

- The findings pose a significant threat to the security of military-grade encryption.

- Organizations are urged to develop post-quantum cryptographic algorithms to counteract these threats.

- The research highlights the growing capabilities of quantum computing in cybersecurity.