Chinese researchers have reportedly breached cryptographic algorithms using a quantum computer, marking a significant step towards quantum threats in encryption. Led by Wang Chao from Shanghai University, the team used a D-Wave Systems quantum computer to attack encryption standards such as Present, Gift-64, and Rectangle, widely used in cryptocurrency wallets.
Their method, quantum annealing, allowed the computer to efficiently bypass traditional algorithmic barriers. Though this breakthrough shows the potential of quantum computing to challenge cryptography, significant limitations still prevent a full-scale quantum hack.
Environmental factors, hardware limitations, and the challenge of creating a universal attack algorithm remain obstacles for now. However, researchers note that future advancements could lead to more powerful attacks, potentially exposing vulnerabilities in cryptographic systems. The findings were published in the Chinese Journal of Computers.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has already proposed mitigation strategies for the threat of quantum computing.