Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: syhprum on 17/03/2011 06:12:39

Title: Why quantum cryptography
Post by: syhprum on 17/03/2011 06:12:39

I read often of the wonders of quantum cryptography, do we need it ?.
Is there any evidence that Google sized computers are being deployed for years to break normally encoded communications or is it just a job for the boys ? 

Title: Why quantum cryptography
Post by: JP on 17/03/2011 16:05:15

It's all classified, I think, but it wouldn't suprise me if government agencies, such as the NSA in the US, have these kinds of computer banks.  Part of it is also preparing in case quantum computers become a reality.  They have the ability to crack traditional cryptography much, much faster than traditional computers, but still wouldn't be able to crack quantum cryptography.

Title: Why quantum cryptography
Post by: syhprum on 17/03/2011 16:16:28

Its all rather an arms race if the bad guys get quantum computers that can crack your regular cryptography you must have quantum cryptography that they can't crack.

Title: Why quantum cryptography
Post by: imatfaal on 17/03/2011 18:12:13

obligatory xkcd

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

http://xkcd.com/538/

Title: Why quantum cryptography
Post by: syhprum on 17/03/2011 19:17:11

yes there are simpler ways of getting hold of encrypted information than using quantum computers.

Title: Why quantum cryptography
Post by: syhprum on 18/03/2011 20:03:33

There has just been the case of a computer technician come terrorist who has just been convicted after the police allegedly spent nine months decrypting his computer files, I wonder if Imatfaals techniques were used.