Shor algorithm and threat for cybersecurity

Shor's algorithm is considered a serious threat to certain aspects of modern cryptography and cybersecurity. Shor's algorithm is a quantum algorithm that efficiently factors large composite numbers and solves the discrete logarithm problem, which are both challenging computational problems for classical computers.

Many cryptographic systems, such as the widely used RSA and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers or solving the discrete logarithm problem for their security. Shor's algorithm, when implemented on a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer, can break these cryptographic schemes efficiently.

This means that if a sufficiently powerful quantum computer becomes available, it could potentially compromise the security of these cryptographic systems, which are extensively used in various applications, including secure communication, digital signatures, and encryption.

Impact of Shor's algorithm on cybersecurity has spurred significant research into post-quantum cryptography (PQC), which aims to develop cryptographic schemes that remain secure against attacks by quantum computers. PQC focuses on developing algorithms and protocols that are resistant to quantum algorithms, thereby ensuring the security of communication and data in a post-quantum computing era.

While it is important to note that large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers are not yet realized, and their development and practical deployment still pose significant challenges, the potential threat of Shor's algorithm underscores the need for proactive measures in advancing post-quantum cryptography and transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms.

Error correction in Quantum Computing

Error correction in quantum computing is a set of techniques and protocols designed to protect quantum information from errors caused by noise and decoherence. Quantum systems are inherently fragile and prone to errors due to various factors, such as environmental interactions and imperfect control mechanisms.

Quantum error correction (QEC) aims to mitigate these errors by encoding the quantum information redundantly across multiple qubits, so that errors can be detected and corrected. The basic idea behind quantum error correction is to introduce additional qubits called "ancilla" or "code" qubits, which store information about the errors that may have occurred.

There are several popular quantum error correction codes, such as the surface code, the Steane code, and the Shor code. These codes utilize a combination of logical qubits and ancilla qubits to detect and correct errors. The ancilla qubits are used to perform error syndrome measurements, which provide information about the error locations.

Once the error syndrome is obtained, appropriate correction operations are applied to restore the original quantum state. This typically involves a combination of measurements and quantum gates that act on the encoded qubits and ancilla qubits. By applying these correction operations, the original quantum information can be recovered despite the presence of errors.

Quantum error correction is not a perfect process and has its limitations. The success of error correction depends on the error rate and the effectiveness of the error detection and correction protocols. Additionally, implementing error correction can be resource-intensive, requiring a larger number of qubits and more complex operations. Nonetheless, error correction is a crucial component for building reliable and fault-tolerant quantum computers.

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Institution of Engineers (India) [IEI] , UP State Centre, Lucknow: Centenary Celebrations

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Talk on Blockchain Intersection with Space Threats : 07 Jun 2023

 

Talk on Blockchain Intersection with Space Threats : Geointelligence Conference 2023: CYBER SECURITY"

Date 07 June 2023

CONVOCATION: AWARD OF DOCTORATE: 13 MAY 2023

Sharing few moments from my convocation vide below link held on 13 May 2023

Problem statement: Blockchain enabled cyber physical Systems on distributed storage

Thesis available at https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/451919

Guide : Dr Usha Batra