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IEEE Security & Privacy

Quantum Cryptanalysis: Shor, Grover, and Beyond

Stephen P. Jordan, Yi-Kai Liu

Published Sep 1, 2018• 26 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Some recently discovered quantum algorithms have resulted in complete breaks of cryptosystems previously expected to be secure against quantum attack. Although several strong candidates for postquantum cryptography remain standing, continued attention to quantum algorithms for cryptanalysis is warranted. Here we survey these recent developments, focusing on those most likely to be of relevance to cryptanalysis.

DOI
10.1109/msp.2018.3761719

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The advent of quantum computing poses an existential threat to classical cryptographic systems. Shor’s algorithm (1994) can factor large integers and compute discrete logarithms in polynomial time, breaking widely used schemes like RSA, ECC, and Diffie-Hellman. This paper surveys the state-of-the-art in quantum cryptanalysis, examining its impact on symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, recent progress in quantum attacks, and defenses via post-quantum cryptography (PQC). We analyze key quantum algorithms (Shor’s, Grover’s), their real-world feasibility given current hardware (NISQ-era limitations), and emerging PQC standards (NIST’s CRYSTALS-Kyber, Dilithium). We also discuss novel attack vectors (e.g., hybrid quantum-classical cryptanalysis) and future research directions.
Cryptography is a critical technology in the modern computing industry, but the security of many cryptosystems relies on the difficulty of mathematical problems such as integer factorization and discrete logarithms. Large quantum computers can solve these problems efficiently, enabling the effective cryptanalysis of many common cryptosystems using such algorithms as Shor’s and Grover’s. If data integrity and security are to be preserved in the future, the algorithms that are vulnerable to quantum cryptanalytic techniques must be phased out in favor of quantum-proof cryptosystems. While quantum computer technology is still developing and is not yet capable of breaking commercial encryption, these steps can be taken immediately to ensure that the impending development of large quantum computers does not compromise sensitive data.
The advent of quantum computing presents a paradigm shift in the field of cryptanalysis, challenging the security of classical encryption schemes that underpin modern digital communications. This study explores the capabilities of quantum algorithms, particularly Shor's algorithm and Grover's algorithm, in undermining widely used cryptographic systems. Shor's algorithm poses a direct threat to publickey cryptosystems such as RSA and ECC by enabling efficient integer factorization and discrete logarithm computation, which are computationally infeasible for classical computers. Meanwhile, Grover's algorithm provides a quadratic speedup for bruteforce attacks on symmetric-key cryptosystems like AES, significantly reducing their effective security. Through theoretical analysis and simulation-based evaluation, this paper highlights the vulnerabilities of classical encryption in the face of quantum advances and underscores the urgent need for post-quantum cryptographic solutions. The findings emphasize the critical importance of transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms to ensure long-term data confidentiality in a future dominated by quantum technologies.
Quantum computing poses a fundamental threat to modern cryptographic protocols by exploiting quantum algorithms that surpass classical computational limits. Shor’s algorithm can efficiently factor large integers, breaking RSA and other public-key cryptosystems, while Grover’s algorithm accelerates brute-force attacks against symmetric encryption. As quantum hardware advances, traditional cryptographic schemes risk obsolescence, necessitating the development of quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of quantum cryptanalysis, examining key algorithms, their implications for cybersecurity, and the current state of post-quantum cryptographic solutions. By analyzing resource estimates for quantum attacks and potential mitigation strategies, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving cryptographic landscape in the quantum era.
This paper investigates the potential impact of quantum computing on the security of currently deployed cryptographic algorithms. The core premise is that the advent of powerful quantum computers, leveraging algorithms like Shor's algorithm and Grover's algorithm, poses a significant threat to widely used public-key cryptosystems and symmetric-key algorithms. We present a theoretical analysis of several key algorithms – RSA, ECC, and AES – examining their vulnerabilities when subjected to quantum attacks. Specifically, we explore the exponential speedup offered by Shor's algorithm for factoring large numbers, the impact on the key size of ECC, and the Grover's algorithm's influence on symmetric key search. Our work highlights the urgency of transitioning to post-quantum cryptography standards to mitigate the risks posed by this technological advancement. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the landscape of quantum cryptanalysis and its implications for the future of secure communication.
This chapter covers the potential use of quantum algorithms for cryptanalysis, that is, the breaking and weakening of cryptosystems. We discuss Shor’s algorithm for factoring and discrete logarithm, which render widely used public-key cryptosystems vulnerable to attack, given access to a sufficiently large-scale quantum computer. We present resource estimates from the literature for running Shor’s algorithm, and we discuss the outlook for postquantum cryptography, which aims to replace existing cryptosystems while being resistant to quantum attack. We also cover quantum approaches for weakening the security of cryptosystems based on Grover’s search algorithm.