Scott Aaronson: Andrew Yang and the Quantum Computing Threat to Cryptography | AI Podcast Clips

TL;DR

Andrew Yang suggests that no code is uncrackable with quantum computing, but this is premature. Quantum computers are not currently capable of breaking public key cryptography, and efforts are already underway to develop and implement post quantum cryptography.

Transcript

andrew yang a very intelligent and the presidential candidate with a lot of interesting ideas in all kinds of technological fields tweeted that because of quantum computing no code is uncrackable is he wrong or right he was premature let's say so well ok wrong look i you know i i'm actually i'm you know i'm a fan of andrew yang I like his cat you k... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 Andrew Yang's claim that no code is uncrackable with quantum computing is premature, as quantum computers currently lack the necessary capabilities.
• 🤩 Quantum supremacy, demonstrated by Google's device, does not pose an immediate threat to public key cryptography.
• 👨‍🔬 Post quantum cryptography is an active field of research and offers potential secure alternatives to existing cryptographic systems.
• 🏣 Development and implementation of post quantum cryptography will require a significant effort to upgrade internet infrastructure.
• 😒 It is possible to migrate the internet to use post quantum cryptography and maintain security.
• 💻 Intelligence agencies may already be collecting data in anticipation of future quantum computers.
• 🏣 The transition to post quantum cryptography would restore the level of security in cryptographic systems.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can quantum computing currently break public key cryptography?

No, it is not currently possible. The quantum computers developed so far, like the one by Google, are not advanced enough to threaten public key cryptography.

Q: What is post quantum cryptography?

Post quantum cryptography refers to cryptographic systems that are resistant to attacks from quantum computers. It is an ongoing field of research aimed at finding secure alternatives to current cryptographic systems.

Q: Is there a plan to migrate to post quantum cryptography?

Yes, efforts are already underway. NIST in the U.S. is conducting a competition to create standards for post quantum cryptography, which would eventually lead to the upgrade of web browsers and routers to use quantum-secure cryptography.

Q: Will the migration to post quantum cryptography be a quick process?

No, it will be a long process. Upgrading the entire internet infrastructure to use post quantum cryptography will take time, but it is a necessary step to ensure data security in the future.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Andrew Yang believes that quantum computing can potentially break cryptographic codes, but this is not currently feasible.

• Quantum supremacy, as demonstrated by Google's recent achievement, is still far from the kind of quantum computer needed to threaten public key cryptography.

• There are ongoing efforts to develop post quantum cryptography, which would provide secure alternatives to the cryptographic systems currently in use.