Chinese researchers have successfully mounted what they claim to be the first quantum attack on widely used encryption algorithms, according to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The team, led by Wang Chao of Shanghai University, used a D-Wave quantum computer to breach cryptographic protocols, raising concerns about the future security of sectors such as banking and military.
The study, published in the Chinese Journal of Computers on September 30, highlights a significant leap in quantum computing capabilities.
The researchers utilized the D-Wave Advantage machine, initially designed for practical applications like logistics, to target algorithms based on the Substitution-Permutation Network (SPN) structure.
SPN algorithms are foundational to widely deployed encryption standards, including AES-256, which is considered the gold standard for military and financial security.
According to Wang's team, this is the first time a real quantum computer has posed a substantial threat to full-scale SPN-structured algorithms in use today. While specific passcodes were not cracked, the researchers warn that quantum computers could soon challenge modern encryption systems.
Quantum computers operate on principles vastly different from classical computers, leveraging quantum annealing and tunneling to solve complex problems more efficiently.
Wang's team combined these quantum techniques with conventional mathematical methods to develop a novel computational approach capable of breaching SPN algorithms such as Present, Gift-64, and Rectangle, the SCMP reported.
Despite this breakthrough, the researchers acknowledge the limitations of quantum computing, including hardware immaturity and environmental interference, which currently hinder the technology’s full potential.
Wang did not comment further on the research due to its sensitivity.
While modern cryptographic systems remain safe for now, experts are closely watching the rapid advances in quantum computing, which could unlock new vulnerabilities.
Wang’s team noted that while no immediate breach has occurred, the evolving technology suggests that future quantum systems may pose significant threats to current encryption standards.
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