Communications of the ACM
Algorithms to Stop Net Threats
University of Wollongong professor Willy Susilo has received a grant to develop cryptographic algorithms that will stay secure against quantum computer attacks. Researchers believe that quantum computers will be able to crack all available encryption systems currently in use, and that the enormous power promised by quantum computing is expected to create a serious cybersecurity threat that can only be resolved with new cryptographic algorithms. Susilo says creating new algorithms will protect electronic commerce, and warns that quantum computers could be used to conduct cyberterrorism.
A general-purpose quantum computer could be built within 20 years, and a special-purpose quantum computer could be available in seven to 10 years. Susilo's project is expected to improve the abilities of counter-terrorism agencies by delivering protection against attackers and terrorists equipped with quantum computers. "We need to produce something that can be used to replace the current system, which is based on the public infrastructure," Susilo says. "We have to tweak the system so that the size of the key will be larger than the capability of the quantum computer that can be built by that time."
Susilo has developed an algorithm that can be used securely and will develop a prototype that can be adopted by industries, which he says should be ready in two years.
From Australian IT
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