The Impact of Quantum Computing on Modern Cryptography

Modern digital security is built upon cryptographic algorithms that are computationally difficult for classical computers to break. However, the advent of quantum computing poses a significant threat to these systems. Quantum computers, leveraging principles like superposition and entanglement, can solve certain problems exponentially faster than classical computers. Shor's algorithm, for example, can efficiently factor large numbers, a task that underpins the security of widely used RSA encryption. This article explores the fundamental principles of quantum computing, details its potential to break current encryption methods, and discusses the ongoing global effort to create and standardize quantum-resistant cryptography (QRC) to safeguard our digital future.