Breaking encryption with a quantum computer just got 10 times easier - New Scientist

A breakthrough reduces the quantum computing power needed to break RSA encryption by tenfold, accelerating the threat timeline. Previously theoretical, this advancement means current quantum hardware could achieve this within a decade. RSA encryption, used in online banking and secure communications, relies on the difficulty of factoring large numbers into primes. Quantum computers bypass this using Shor’s algorithm, but hardware limitations made it impractical until now. The reduced requirement lowers the barrier for quantum attacks, making RSA vulnerable sooner than expected. Experts warn this could disrupt global cybersecurity infrastructure if unaddressed. Researchers have long known quantum computers could crack RSA, but the necessary qubit count was prohibitive. The new method optimizes the process, cutting resource demands dramatically. Urgent action is needed to develop quantum-resistant encryption before scalable quantum computers emerge, potentially rendering current security protocols obsolete by the 2030s.