By Paulina Assmann
CEO of SeQure Quantum
Recently, Chinese researchers announced that they had successfully decrypted a 22-bit RSA key using the D-Wave Advantage quantum computer. Although it caused a stir, the RSA keys used today are at least 2048 bits, which remains secure for now. However, this advancement reminds us that quantum computing is advancing rapidly and will pose significant cybersecurity challenges.
Quantum computing presents a dual reality: on the one hand, it poses a threat to traditional cryptographic systems, but on the other hand, it offers advanced solutions to protect them. RSA cryptography, for example, relies on the difficulty of factoring large numbers, something future quantum computers could quickly solve. Although we are still a long way from breaking 2048-bit keys, it is crucial to prepare for this eventuality.
Another growing threat is that of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is becoming increasingly powerful, capable of analyzing large amounts of data, identifying patterns and, in some cases, compromising security systems. Quantum computing and AI are revolutionizing the world of cybersecurity, and while we must remain vigilant, we must also view quantum and AI as opportunities.
Fortunately, solutions already exist, such as quantum random number generators, which not only provide truly random numbers, impossible to reproduce or predict, but which, thanks to new technologies, allow real-time self-certification, ensuring that the numbers generated are always accurate. unique and unpredictable. This capability significantly improves protection over pseudo-random generators, which could be vulnerable to AI today and quantum attacks in the future.
These quantum generators are already used in a variety of applications, from generating secure cryptographic keys for financial systems to protecting telecommunications and government networks. They are also essential for ensuring fairness in online gambling and betting, where generating truly random numbers is essential to prevent manipulation. Additionally, they have applications in the Internet of Things (IoT), where the security of connected devices increasingly depends on the generation and management of secure information in real time.
We must remain vigilant, of course, but we must also consider quantum and AI as opportunities. The adoption of quantum technologies such as quantum random number generators, which enable real-time self-certification, is a key step in securing our systems, today and tomorrow. We are in the midst of a technological transition that cannot be ignored, and those who act now will be better prepared for the challenges of the post-quantum era.
