China is making headlines with breakthroughs in quantum computing that impact encryption security worldwide. Their work shows both the power to break encryption and the tools to defend against future quantum attacks.
Breaking Encryption with Quantum Computers
Chinese researchers have taken important steps toward cracking encryption using quantum machines. Led by Professor Wang Chao at Shanghai University, they used a D-Wave quantum annealing processor to factor small RSA keys—22-bit and later 90-bit keys. RSA encryption is the backbone of secure communication, but these keys are much smaller than the 2048-bit keys used in real life.
Their method involves turning cryptographic problems into optimization problems that quantum annealers solve using quantum tunneling. They also targeted SPN ciphers like Present and Rectangle, which are related to AES encryption used in finance and military systems.
Despite these advances, current quantum computers face challenges like noise, limited qubit numbers, and immature technology. This means breaking large-scale encryption used today is still out of reach.
Defending Against Quantum Threats
China is not just focusing on attacks—they are building defenses. China Telecom Quantum Group launched a hybrid quantum-safe encryption system combining Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
This system uses quantum physics to generate encryption keys and mathematical algorithms designed to resist quantum attacks. It enabled a 1,000-kilometer quantum-encrypted phone call between Beijing and Hefei. Now, it’s being deployed in 16 cities to create a quantum-secure communication network.
What This Means for Security
| Aspect | Details |
| Quantum attacks on encryption | Successful on small keys, not on large real-world keys |
| Quantum hardware | Early-stage, limited by noise and scale |
| Defense systems | Hybrid QKD + PQC deployed commercially |
| Real-world threat | Current encryption secure, but future risk rising |
| Timeline | Large key risk estimated in late 2020s to 2030s |
Key Takeaways
- China is leading in both attacking and defending encryption with quantum computing.
- Small RSA keys have been cracked, but large keys remain safe for now.
- Hybrid quantum-safe encryption is being rolled out commercially.
- The race between quantum computing and cryptography is speeding up.
FAQs
Q: Can China’s quantum computers break internet encryption now?
- No. They can crack small keys but not the large keys securing today’s internet.
Q: What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?
- A technique using quantum mechanics to securely share encryption keys, detecting any eavesdropping.
Q: When will quantum computers threaten current encryption?
- Experts estimate risks may appear within the next decade.
Q: Is the hybrid quantum-safe system available?
- Yes, it’s being deployed across multiple Chinese cities.
China’s work highlights the urgent need for global adoption of quantum-resistant encryption. The future of secure communication depends on staying ahead in this quantum race.
Are we ready?
