Potential Vulnerabilities of Cryptoalgorithms in the World of Ideal Quantum Annealers

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the emergence of quantum annealers presents a formidable challenge to rely on existing cryptographic algorithms such as Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA-256) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Building on our findings in cryptanalysis, our work explores the potential vulnerabilities these quantum technologies pose to existing cryptographic methods. We investigate how the transformation of cryptographic problems into quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) format, suitable for quantum annealing, could expedite the decryption processes, thereby undermining the security of widely used algorithms. The implications for industries relying on these cryptographic standards are profound. From financial transactions to secure communications, the threat of quantum annealing necessitates a re-evaluation of current security protocols and the acceleration of developing quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques. This chapter aims to provide industry stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of these emerging threats and outline recipes for urgent proactive measures in the face of quantum advances.