Chinese scientists’ claims for new quantum code-breaking algorithm raise eyebrows in the US

Today’s mainstream encryption may be vulnerable within years instead of decades after Chinese researchers propose new code-breaking algorithm

‘There’s the nagging question of why the Chinese government didn’t classify this research,’ US cryptographer writes

Reading Time:4 minutes

A Chinese team said its new algorithm could dramatically reduce the scale of a practical quantum computer to 372 qubits – even less than the most powerful quantum computer in the world, Osprey. Image: Shutterstock Images

Published: 2:57pm, 11 Jan 2023Updated: 3:30pm, 11 Jan 2023

Mainstream encryption in use today may become vulnerable within years instead of decades after Chinese researchers proposed a new code-breaking algorithm to run on a small quantum computer built from technology already within reach.

But some senior security and quantum experts in the United States have raised concerns as well as doubts about that claim coming out of China.

Quantum computers can speed up the factoring of large numbers – a difficult task for traditional computers – to break codes in a relatively short period.

But it is commonly believed that such a machine would need to handle millions of qubits, the basic unit of quantum information, to hack a bank account protected by state-of-the-art encryption.

01:36

AI chip maker ordered by US government to halt exports to China

Osprey, the most powerful quantum computer in the world launched by IBM in November, operates with 433 qubits and is nowhere near breaking codes.

Chinese scientists’ claims for new quantum code-breaking algorithm raise eyebrows in the US

Today’s mainstream encryption may be vulnerable within years instead of decades after Chinese researchers propose new code-breaking algorithm ‘There’s the nagging question of why the Chinese government didn’t classify this research,’ US cryptographer writes

Today’s mainstream encryption may be vulnerable within years instead of decades after Chinese researchers propose new code-breaking algorithm

‘There’s the nagging question of why the Chinese government didn’t classify this research,’ US cryptographer writes