Code-Breaking Quantum Algorithm On a Silicon Chip

Urchin writes "Shor's quantum algorithm, which offers a way to crack the commonly-used RSA encryption algorithm, has been demonstrated on a silicon chip for the first time. The algorithm was first demonstrated on large tabletop arrays 3 years ago, but the photonic quantum circuit can now be printed relatively easily onto a silicon chip just 26 mm long. You can see the abstract from the team's academic paper in the journal Science; the full text requires a subscription."

RSA may sleep well...

[Vadim Makarov]

they are still factorizing the number 15 :)

MIM day

[youn]

shortly after, secret service agencies worldwide have decided to make the day a holiday and call it man in the middle day (MIM)

changing of the guard

[JackSpratts]

my darknet effectively utilities rsa/blowfish. not for long apparently.

Version 2

[epine]

int a = 0, b = 0;
if (x == 14) { a = 2; b = 7; }
else
if (x == 15) { a = 3; b = 5; }
if (a == 0)
    printf ("%s\n", "more funds required");
else
    printf ("%d, %d\n", a, b);

Re:changing of the guard

[BungaDunga]

Unless you're using 3 and 5 for your factors, I think you're safe for now...

Re:changing of the guard

[sakdoctor]

That's the kinda factors an idiot would have on his luggage.

Re:Interesting and a qustion

[JordanL]

I think the real question is whether or not quantum computing can solve the Travelling Salesman problem. :)

Re:changing of the guard

[DoofusOfDeath]

my darknet effectively utilities rsa/blowfish. not for long apparently.

No worries. We'll change it for you, Steve O'Connel from 42 Elmwood Ave., Chicago. You should take the night off - you're girlfriend will be ordering out for burritos. Bad news though, she's renting a chick flick.

Thanks,
NSA

Re:Is this really a big deal?

[FloydTheDroid]

Anything above "4" is represented as "A Suffusion of Yellow"

Amazing

[jfern]

15=3*5, just like 8 years ago when it was last factored on a quantum computer. Maybe in a few years someone will factor 21. I wonder what its factors are.

Harder than it seems

[raftpeople]

It's only frightening when operating a quantum computer becomes trivial.

"Congratulations on your purchase. To begin using your quantum computer, set the power switch to both off and on simultaneously."

Re:changing of the guard

[Anonymous Coward]

> What kind of asshole would set his RSA factors to 1, 3, 5???

I'll get back to you once I changed my RSA factors...

Re:changing of the guard

[Ant P.]

That's the problem with these quantum computers - you can't be certain which universe they're decrypting data from.