Security alert over super-computers

RAPIDLY advancing quantum computers may bring “major” threats to communications if security measures cannot keep pace, scientists have warned.

They predict quantum computers, which are exponentially faster than current classical computers, could crack many of the cryptographic systems in use today in just over a decade.

The researchers are concerned hostile actors may already be hoarding data to decode it later using more advanced technology.

Report co-author Dr Evan Peet, at the RAND corporation – a security think-tank, said: “This presents a vulnerability that urgently needs to be addressed.”

The researchers say dangerous applications could be available in 12 to 15 years, posing a major security breakdown in current communications systems, and are urging authorities to act to prevent “disaster.”

Standard protocols for postquantum cryptography – or codebreaking – that can maintain the current level of computing security are expected within the next five years, the authors said.

But the report found it could take decades to complete the global transition necessary to implement these protocols, far longer than previously estimated.

The scientists want a broad standard for “postquantum cryptography” to be widely implemented as soon as possible to minimise security risks.

The experts, whose research was largely funded by the US government, said they expect “enormous benefits” from quantum computing and enhancing privacy and security, if improvements are made.