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A new computing paradigm

05.11.2024

Previous newsletter article, week 45:
<-- From Enigma to Quantum Computing: When will Q-DAY arrive?

Quantum computing represents a revolution in how information is processed. While traditional computers operate with binary bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in a superposition of states, enabling massive parallel computations.
The potential of these differences is astonishing. Let’s take two concrete examples:

Factorization of RSA-2048 numbers:

  • Classical computer: approximately 300,000 trillion years (more than 21,000 times the age of the universe).

  • Quantum computer with Shor’s algorithm: potentially a few hours or days.

Search in an unstructured database (1 billion elements):

  • Classical computer: 500 million operations.

  • Quantum computer (Grover’s algorithm): about 31,000 operations.

This potential revolution has triggered a global race.
In Switzerland, the Cyber-Defence Campus (CYD) of Armasuisse is conducting critical experiments. Their tests of Shor’s algorithm on IBM platforms have yielded promising but limited results, successfully factoring only small numbers so far.
The CYD Campus systematically evaluates existing quantum infrastructure, collaborates with leading companies, and analyzes cloud services. These studies not only advance academic research but also provide strategic insights for the military sector and future investment decisions.

While quantum technology does not currently pose an immediate threat to existing security systems, it is maturing rapidly. The challenge is not if, but when we must adapt our security infrastructures to this new era of computation.