The Quantum Threat Beyond Encryption: Why Even Deleted Data is at Risk

1.    As the world moves closer to the reality of quantum computing, we face an inevitable question: How secure is our data in a quantum-powered world? The focus so far has been on how quantum computers will break the cryptographic systems that we use to protect sensitive information. From emails to bank transactions, most of the digital security we rely on today is based on cryptographic algorithms that could soon be rendered obsolete by quantum algorithms like Shor’s algorithm.

2.    However, the threat posed by quantum computers extends beyond just encryption and data protection. It raises an important, often overlooked question: What happens to the data we've deleted? We might think that deleting a file, erasing it from our hard drives, or discarding old devices like phones, SSDs, or HDDs is enough to ensure privacy. But the truth is, even deleted data is at risk in a quantum world. In fact, it may be more vulnerable than we think.

Classical Data Deletion vs. Quantum Recovery

3.    In today's world, deleting a file typically means that it's no longer accessible in the usual ways. When you "delete" a file on your computer, most operating systems simply mark the data as available for overwriting. The actual data may remain on the drive until new data overwrites it, but in practice, it’s often considered gone. People use software tools to recover deleted files, and while it’s a bit of a hassle, it's generally not a huge risk.

4.    The issue, however, is that quantum computers—once they become powerful enough—may be able to recover deleted data that classical methods cannot. Why? Because of quantum superposition and quantum interference, quantum systems have the ability to "peek" into the quantum states of particles or systems in ways that classical systems cannot. This means that even after data is deleted, quantum techniques might allow an adversary to reconstruct it.

One paper, titled "Quantum Proofs of Deletion for Learning with Errors (LWE)" by Alexander Poremba, is about proving that data has been deleted in a secure and private way. The challenge addressed here is how to ensure that an untrusted party (like a cloud service) has actually deleted your sensitive data when you request them to do so. You don’t want them to just say they deleted it—you want a guarantee, and this proof needs to be verifiable by anyone, including you.

5.    When we dispose of old devices like phones, hard drives, or SSDs, or delete files from cloud storage, we often assume the data is gone for good. However, residual data can remain, and with the rise of quantum computing, even seemingly erased data might be recoverable. Traditional methods like disk wiping or cloud deletion tools are no longer foolproof. Quantum algorithms can expose vulnerabilities, allowing attackers to retrieve discarded data from both e-waste and cloud services. Without quantum-resistant deletion protocols, your data could remain at risk, putting your privacy in jeopardy long after disposal.

The Need for Quantum-Proof Deletion: Why LWE Matters

6.    This is where the concept of Quantum Proofs of Deletion becomes crucial. Traditional deletion methods are no longer enough in a world where quantum computers might one day be able to reverse what we thought was irretrievably lost. That’s why researchers are turning to quantum-resistant cryptographic models to address this issue—one of the key approaches is through Learning with Errors (LWE).

7.    LWE is a mathematical problem that, unlike classical encryption systems, is believed to be hard for both classical and quantum computers to solve. By using LWE-based encryption and deletion protocols, we can ensure that data deletion remains secure—even in the presence of quantum adversaries.

8.    Quantum-proof deletion protocols built on LWE can not only ensure that data is securely erased but also provide a proof that it has been deleted in a way that no quantum adversary can reverse. This can be crucial when you’re dealing with sensitive data that could otherwise be recovered by a quantum hacker.

The Quantum Future: Preparing for What’s to Come

9.    As quantum computing advances, we must rethink how we manage not just encryption but also data deletion. This isn’t just a theoretical concern for the far-off future; it’s a looming issue that we must address today in anticipation of the quantum age.

10.    What does this mean for individuals and businesses? Simply put: the data you delete today may come back to haunt you in the future unless we adopt quantum-resistant deletion protocols. Old phones, hard drives, and SSDs that you discard or sell might contain hidden risks if not properly erased. In the near future, we may need to adopt rigorous, quantum-proof methods for securely erasing data to safeguard against future threats.

Conclusion: Secure Data Deletion is a New Front in Cybersecurity

11.    As we continue to face the growing threats posed by quantum computing, it's crucial that we expand our thinking beyond traditional cryptographic systems. The focus has long been on encryption, but the security of deleted data is just as important.

12.    Quantum-proof deletion is not just a concept for cryptographers—it's something that will affect each of us. So just as we’ve worked to secure our data with encryption, we must now work to ensure that deleted data can never be resurrected by quantum computers. And for that, innovations like Quantum Proofs of Deletion based on Learning with Errors (LWE) are a crucial step toward a secure digital future.

BEYOND SILICON : The Next-Generation Materials Shaping Tomorrow’s Chips

As the demand for faster, more efficient semiconductors grows, the limitations of silicon are becoming more apparent. In this post, we explore the next-generation materials that are poised to revolutionize the chip industry, from graphene and carbon nanotubes to new 2D materials, offering unprecedented performance and opening the door to the future of computing.

Understanding the Difference Between Physical and Logical Qubits in Quantum Computing

1.    Quantum computing is still in its early stages, but as it advances, one important distinction you'll encounter is between physical qubits and logical qubits. Let's break these terms down simply and see why they're crucial for building reliable quantum computers.

What Are Physical Qubits?

2.    Physical qubits are the actual hardware used to store and manipulate quantum information. These could be atoms, ions, or superconducting circuits, depending on the quantum computing platform. However, these physical qubits are very fragile and prone to errors, caused by environmental noise, imperfections in the hardware, and other disturbances.

What Are Logical Qubits?

3.    Logical qubits are the error-corrected qubits that are stable and reliable enough to be used for quantum computations. They are not a direct representation of a single physical qubit. Instead, logical qubits are encoded across multiple physical qubits using quantum error correction techniques. These techniques help detect and correct errors, ensuring that the quantum computation can continue with high fidelity despite noisy environments.

Why Do We Need Logical Qubits?

4.    The key challenge in quantum computing is that physical qubits are inherently unreliable. To ensure accurate computations, we need logical qubits that are error-resilient. For example, a quantum computer might need 10,000 physical qubits to create 100 logical qubits, because quantum error correction demands several physical qubits to protect each logical qubit from errors.

Quantum Error Correction: What Is It?

5.    Quantum error correction involves encoding quantum information in such a way that errors in physical qubits can be detected and corrected without disrupting the overall computation. Essentially, it’s like having backup systems in place to fix issues when things go wrong.

Some major quantum error correction codes include:

• Shor’s Code – One of the first error-correcting codes, it uses 9 physical qubits to encode 1 logical qubit.

• Steane Code – This code is a 7-qubit code that’s part of the broader class of CSS (Calderbank-Shor-Steane) codes.

• Surface Codes – Widely studied and promising, surface codes can correct errors with relatively fewer physical qubits, making them a candidate for scalable quantum computers.

In a Nutshell

• Physical qubits are the raw units of quantum information, but they are error-prone.

• Logical qubits are the protected, error-corrected qubits used for actual computations.

• Quantum error correction codes like Shor’s Code, Steane Code, and Surface Codes are used to build logical qubits from physical qubits.

6.    As quantum computers scale, the number of physical qubits required will grow significantly to support a much smaller number of logical qubits. For instance, a quantum system might have 10,000 physical qubits but only 100 logical qubits capable of reliable computation. Understanding this difference is crucial to grasping how quantum computers will one day solve complex problems in fields like cryptography, materials science, and artificial intelligence.

7.    In short: more qubits don't always mean more computational power — it’s about how many logical qubits you can reliably create from your physical qubits.

Quantum Computing Will Not Be a Schumpeterian Innovation

1.    The term "Schumpeterian innovation" refers to the idea that new technologies disrupt the status quo, causing a wave of "creative destruction." This concept, introduced by economist Joseph Schumpeter, suggests that groundbreaking innovations often lead to the downfall of established businesses, industries, and ways of doing things, making room for new ones.

2.    So, what does it mean when we say quantum computing will not be a Schumpeterian innovation? It means that quantum computing is unlikely to follow this disruptive path. Unlike previous technological revolutions, quantum computing may not immediately wipe out or radically transform existing industries. Instead, it is expected to evolve alongside existing technologies, complementing and enhancing current systems rather than replacing them entirely.

3.    While quantum computing holds enormous potential, its integration into everyday applications will likely be gradual and more of an augmentation to existing technologies than a complete upheaval. Instead of causing widespread destruction, it could quietly reshape industries, enhancing capabilities in fields like cybersecurity, drug discovery, and material science over time. In short, quantum computing might be revolutionary, but not in the Schumpeterian sense of sweeping, disruptive change.

4.    So, to say that quantum computing will not be a Schumpeterian innovation means that quantum computing may not necessarily destroy existing industries or radically disrupt existing technologies in the way that Schumpeter predicted for other forms of innovation. Instead, it might complement existing technologies, be more gradual in its impact, or be part of a broader technological evolution without the dramatic and immediate economic shifts Schumpeter envisioned.

Ancient Stories, Modern Realities: The Surprising Parallels Between Hindu Myths and Technology

As someone who has delved deeply into both the ancient texts of Hinduism and the cutting-edge technologies of today, it is fascinating to explore the uncanny parallels between the two. While many of the stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other ancient Hindu scriptures were once thought to be mere mythological tales or imaginative fiction, a closer examination through the lens of modern technology reveals striking similarities. Concepts described in ancient texts, such as "Udan Khatola" (flying chariots), mind reading by deities, live telecasts of wars, and rapid long-distance travel, all seem to have correlations with contemporary advancements in areas like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, quantum physics, the metaverse, and more.

1. Udan Khatola: The Ancient Flying Machine

In the Ramayana, the "Udan Khatola" or flying chariot is a prime example of technology that was beyond its time. The great flying machines, like the one used by Lord Rama to travel to Lanka, were described as having advanced propulsion systems, capable of traversing great distances in no time.

In today's world, this concept finds echoes in modern developments in aviation, space technology, and even experimental projects like the development of flying cars and drones. The principles of flight, propulsion, and navigation described in ancient texts resemble the mechanics of contemporary aerospace technologies. Moreover, in quantum physics, the concept of instant travel, via quantum entanglement or teleportation, also resonates with the ancient idea of rapid, long-distance travel.

2. Mind Reading and Remote Communication

The ability of Brahma and other deities to read minds and communicate telepathically in the scriptures, particularly in texts like the Mahabharata, may sound fantastical. However, today, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), brain-machine interfaces, and neurotechnology, the possibility of directly reading and interpreting human thoughts is no longer confined to science fiction.

Technologies like neural interfaces and brain-computer communication are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. For instance, companies are working on "mind-reading" devices that can interpret brain activity, enabling individuals to control devices or communicate with computers directly via thought. Similarly, AI systems are becoming increasingly adept at analyzing human behavior, language, and facial expressions to predict thoughts or intentions.

3. The Live Telecast of War in the Mahabharata

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Mahabharata is the depiction of an ancient "live telecast" of the war on the battlefield. Vidura, a wise counselor, was able to observe and describe the events of the war from miles away, as though he were physically present. This concept strongly mirrors today’s real-time broadcasting, satellite communications, and live-streaming technologies.

In the present age, the concept of the "metaverse" extends this further, where virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) allow people to experience events remotely in real time, almost as if they were there. The technology behind drones, remote sensors, and cameras also allows us to monitor and broadcast events anywhere in the world, echoing the ancient concept of "live telecast" through divine wisdom.

4. Matter-Displacement: Moving Across Continents in Seconds

The idea of moving across continents in the blink of an eye is prevalent in many ancient texts. In the Ramayana, for example, characters could instantly appear in distant lands using divine powers. Today, quantum teleportation, which involves the transfer of quantum states between particles over long distances, is one of the emerging fields of research that might one day enable nearly instantaneous transfer of information — and potentially matter.

Similarly, advancements in telecommunications, such as fiber optics, allow us to transmit massive amounts of data across the globe in mere seconds. This instantaneous communication over vast distances, combined with cloud computing and the concept of "instant access," mirrors the ancient vision of rapidly moving between far-off places.

5. Artificial Intelligence and the Mind of Brahma

One of the most significant technological breakthroughs of the modern age is artificial intelligence. AI is designed to mimic human cognition and perform tasks that would traditionally require human intelligence, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and even learning.

In Hindu scriptures, Brahma, the creator god, is said to have immense intelligence, capable of understanding and perceiving the universe in its entirety. The development of AI can be seen as an attempt to replicate this god-like intelligence. Just as Brahma could "see" everything and understand the workings of the cosmos, modern AI systems, particularly machine learning and neural networks, are being designed to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make predictions that seem almost omniscient.

6. Blockchain and the Concept of Karma

The concept of karma in Hinduism, where every action leads to consequences (whether good or bad), can be likened to the principles behind blockchain technology. Blockchain, which is a decentralized and immutable ledger, ensures that every action (or transaction) is recorded and cannot be altered once it has occurred.

Just as karma ensures that every deed is accounted for in the cycle of life, blockchain technology ensures that every transaction is tracked and remains transparent, secure, and irreversible, creating an eternal record of actions.

7. Encryption and Decryption in Hindu Texts

The ancient use of cryptic codes and encrypted messages in Hindu texts, such as secret mantras and mystical scripts, is another area that surprisingly aligns with modern cryptography. Encryption and decryption are key aspects of securing digital communication today, much like how sacred texts or mantras were encrypted to preserve their meanings for a select few.

In fact, the very act of maintaining secrecy and decoding ancient knowledge mirrors the way in which modern cryptography protects sensitive information from unauthorized access. The application of mathematical algorithms to secure communication in the digital age resonates with the coded wisdom of ancient scriptures.

Conclusion: Bridging the Past and Present

As we look at the technologies that are emerging today, it becomes apparent that the ancient texts of Hinduism were not simply works of imagination, but rather, they contained profound insights into concepts that were ahead of their time. The stories of flying chariots, telepathic communication, live broadcasting, and rapid travel are not only grounded in deep philosophical teachings, but they also reflect a deeper understanding of science and technology that resonates with the innovations we are witnessing today.

Perhaps, the ancient sages, through their spiritual insights, were able to comprehend the fundamental principles of the universe in a way that aligns with modern technological advancements. As technology continues to evolve, we may find even more ways in which the ancient wisdom of the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, and Mahabharata can help us better understand the future. The lines between myth and reality, between the past and the future, continue to blur as we push the boundaries of human potential.

The ancient Hindu scriptures, seen through the lens of modern technology, provide us not just with spiritual wisdom, but with a blueprint for the future.

Should Standards Bodies and Cryptographic Developers be Held Liable for Encryption Failures?

1.    In an age where data privacy and security are paramount, encryption has emerged as the bedrock of digital trust. It’s what keeps our financial transactions, sensitive personal data, and corporate secrets safe from unauthorized access. But what happens when encryption itself—the very framework that data protection laws and industries rely on—is compromised? Should standards bodies and cryptographic developers bear the weight of liability for such failures?

2.    As data breaches and cyber threats grow in sophistication, this question becomes more pressing. Here’s why attributing liability or penalties to standards organizations, certifying authorities, and cryptographic developers could enhance our digital security landscape.

 

The Importance of Encryption Standards

3.    Encryption protocols, such as AES, RSA, and newer algorithms resistant to quantum attacks, form the foundation of data protection frameworks. Global regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and India’s upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act rely on these protocols to ensure that personal and sensitive data remain inaccessible to unauthorized parties. If encryption fails, however, it’s not just individual companies or users at risk—entire sectors could suffer massive exposure, eroding trust in digital systems and putting critical information at risk.

Why Liability Should Extend to Standards Bodies and Developers

4.    While organizations implementing encryption bear the primary responsibility for data protection, the bodies that create and certify these protocols also play a critical role. 

5.    Here’s why penalties or liability should be considered:

• Encouraging Rigorous Testing and Regular Audits
  Standards bodies like NIST, ISO, and IETF establish widely adopted encryption protocols. Liability would push these organizations to conduct more frequent and intensive audits, ensuring algorithms hold up against evolving cyber threats. Just as companies face penalties for data breaches, certifying authorities could face accountability if they fail to spot and address weaknesses in widely used protocols.

• Improving Transparency and Response Times If a protocol vulnerability is discovered, standards bodies must respond swiftly to prevent widespread exploitation. Penalties could drive faster, more transparent communication, allowing organizations using the protocols to take proactive steps in addressing vulnerabilities.

• Mandating Contingency and Update Plans Holding developers accountable would encourage them to prepare fallback protocols and quick-patch solutions in case of a breach. This might include keeping secure, verified backup protocols ready for deployment if a primary standard is compromised.

• Creating a Secure Backup Ecosystem Implementing “backup” cryptographic protocols could add resilience to the security ecosystem. Standards bodies would regularly update these backup algorithms, running them through rigorous testing and ensuring they’re ready if a main protocol fails. This approach would offer organizations implementing these protocols a safety net, reducing their dependency on a single encryption standard and bolstering the security framework as a whole.

• Enhanced Accountability in High-Stakes Industries Certain sectors—like healthcare, finance, and national defense—handle data so sensitive that any encryption breach could lead to catastrophic consequences. In these cases, stronger regulatory oversight could require standards bodies and certifiers to focus even more on high-stakes applications, tying liability to the industry impact and motivating specialized security measures for these areas.

 

Balancing Penalties and Incentives

6.    Alongside penalties, incentives for timely vulnerability reporting could encourage cryptographic researchers and developers to disclose potential weaknesses promptly. This combination of incentives and liabilities would cultivate a more open and responsive environment for cryptographic development, minimizing risk while promoting trust.

The Future of Encryption and Shared Responsibility

7.    The potential for encryption compromise, especially with advancements in quantum computing, necessitates a shift in how we approach responsibility in the data protection ecosystem. Attributing liability to standards bodies and cryptographic developers could reshape how encryption is developed, tested, and maintained, ensuring that digital security doesn’t hinge on blind trust alone.

Conclusion

8.    As digital reliance grows, so too must our accountability structures. A compromised encryption protocol impacts far more than just individual companies; it can shake entire sectors. By attributing liability to the creators and certifiers of encryption standards, we foster a collaborative, transparent, and robust approach to data security. In doing so, we not only protect sensitive information but also fortify trust in the very systems we rely on in our digital world.