The era of secure cryptography may well be living its final days. Chinese researchers, using the capabilities of a quantum computer produced by D-Wave Systems, recently reached a milestone: for the first time, a quantum computer would have concretely threatened current encryption systems. Could the global cryptosystem be shaken on a large scale? If limitations currently prevent complete hacking, the researchers' progress suggests a future where the security of cryptos, based on classic encryption algorithms, could falter.
The quantum threat: a first breach in the encryption wall
Quantum technology, long seen as a hypothetical threat to digital security, now appears capable of breaking down some of the strongest protections, while Bitcoin falters.
In a study conducted at the University of Shanghai, the team led by Wang Chao tackled the Present, Gift-64 and Rectangle algorithms, which rely on SPN (substitution-permutation network) structures.
These algorithms serve as the basis for encryption standards like AES-256, which until now have been considered unshakable fortresses.
The process used, called “quantum annealing”, differs from traditional calculation methods. Here, the quantum computer seeks to reach the lowest energy state by exploiting quantum tunneling.
Unlike traditional algorithms, which carefully explore each path, this technique allows particles to literally cross barriers.
This revolutionary leap enables problem-solving in an optimized manner, accessing solutions that decades of conventional cryptography could not conceive of.
The researchers say that while they haven't completely broken protections, this first foray could signal a point of no return for crypto security.
They emphasize that quantum computers are still limited by material and environmental constraints. However, progress in this area suggests much more efficient attack systems capable of breaking current encryption standards in the not-so-distant future.
What does this breakthrough mean for cryptocurrency security?
If quantum computing ever becomes capable of breaking current encryption, the consequences for cryptocurrencies would be immense.
Blockchain, a system known for its resilience and security, relies on encryption methods to secure transactions and protect user funds.
If these encryption algorithms were to be compromised, the entire system could be vulnerable to targeted attacks on an unprecedented scale.
So far, Chinese researchers have demonstrated greater gains than previous attempts, but obstacles remain.
Large-scale hacking not only requires additional technological advancements, but also logistical improvements to maintain the necessary computing power.
However, the shadow of quantum computing looms over blockchain: all it takes is a nudge in the right direction for these technical constraints to become a mere memory.
Faced with this threat, the crypto community is preparing. Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, recently proposed a solution to protect the blockchain from quantum threats.
According to him, a hard fork, or radical update of the blockchain, could neutralize future attacks. This measure would require users to download a new version of their wallet, but it would ensure that crypto assets remain secure, even in the face of quantum computers. Buterin assures that this infrastructure could be in place tomorrow, if necessary.
The repercussions of this breakthrough are not limited to cryptocurrencies. The entire digital sector could suffer the effects of these advances in quantum computing. Banking data, confidential information and all digital encryption systems could ultimately become obsolete in the face of this technology. The speed at which the quantum threat is advancing suggests an inevitable transformation of digital security as we know it today.
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