Chapter 1181 Cryptography Is the Specialty of Mathematicians

After leaving the Jinling Institute for Advanced Study, Director Li did not stop at Jinling, but rushed back to Shangjing overnight.

It took him two full days to visit the top experts in the field of quantum computing in various semiconductor research institutes in Shanghai, and implicitly consulted them about the security aspects of quantum computing technology.

Office of the Director of the Microelectronics Research Center.

After listening to Director Li explaining his purpose of coming and expressing his concerns about the security of quantum computer technology, director Wu Jiancheng, who is over seventy years old, smiled and rejected his idea without hesitation.

"Your worries are unnecessary. In theory, quantum computers will indeed pose a threat to the security of asymmetric encryption algorithms, but this technology will not be able to break through in a short time."

"As far as the current situation is concerned, even the most advanced quantum computers can only reach more than 20 qubits. Google's D-Wave is unique in this regard, achieving 80 qubits, but that thing is actually very watery. The quantum gate circuit is not used to control the qubits, but the quantum annealing algorithm is used to take a shortcut. Using the same algorithm, the traditional supercomputing can even do better than it, which is very controversial in academia and industry.”

"And whether it is a real quantum computer with more than 20 qubits or a pseudo-quantum computer with more than 80 qubits, it is still a bit difficult to crack modern encryption technology. Take the most common RSA encryption algorithm as an example. Take the current The difficulty of the widely used prime factorization problem is no problem at all for quantum computers with less than two hundred qubits."

Director Li said in a cautious tone: "What does this mean that there is no question at all?"

Director Wu Jiancheng continued: "The cracking period is more than one year, which means that even a quantum computer with 200 qubits will take more than a year to crack your bank card password. And in this As long as the key changes during the period, everything has to start all over again."

Theoretically, any encryption rule is not a public key that is used to death. When either party evaluates that there may be a security risk, it will apply for a replacement of the public key.

Looking at Director Li who still refused to let him go, he sighed and continued in a relieved tone.

"The development of technology is a gentle process. When we master the real quantum computer, we will naturally develop corresponding encryption algorithms. There is really no need to worry too much about this thing!"

"But suppose," Chief Li tried to make up a reason, continued, "if something like a technological explosion happens, we or our enemies suddenly master quantum computer technology—"

"This kind of situation is impossible," said director Wu Jiancheng without hesitation, interrupting Director Li. "The so-called technology explosion is just a layman's statement! Any new technology can be developed in a short period of time from discovery to maturity." There is a linear progressive process on all scales, especially in the 21st century, when scientific research has changed from working alone to working in a team."

"If you think quantum computer technology can break through tomorrow, then you can definitely find earlier papers on solving the problems of 'decoherence' and 'noise processing'! I can call you the latest data in the database now, I'm sure Let me tell you, none of the problems I have mentioned has a good solution so far!"

Seeing the determined expression on Director Wu's face, Director Li was slightly embarrassed.

He really wanted to tell him the truth, but this matter was a bit important, and all those who knew the situation were repeatedly ordered by him to keep it secret, and he couldn't break this exception by himself.

"...Aren't I hypothesizing? You can't guarantee that others will hide it after researching it."

Seeing that Director Li was still "stubborn" and superstitious about such a fantasy, Director Wu Jiancheng didn't bother to argue with him anymore, so he reluctantly nodded and said.

"If it's what you said, a quantum computer jumped out of the rock."

"Maybe it can really threaten our information security."

Hearing this sentence, a stone in Director Li's heart finally fell, but another heavier stone was put up again.

Sure enough, his worries were not without reason!

Fortunately, he discovered it in time, and there is still a chance to remedy everything...

After today's visit was over, Director Li went straight back to his office.

It took a whole day to write the report, and then he took the report to Chang'an Avenue.

When he stood in that familiar office, he saw the old man sitting behind the mahogany desk wearing glasses and staring at the letter paper in his hand meticulously.

I don't know if it's his illusion, but I always feel that this letter looks familiar.

However, he didn't think too much, and reached out and knocked lightly on the open door.

Looking at Director Li at the door, the old man smiled faintly, lowered the letter in his hand a few inches, and said in a gentle tone.

"You came?"

"Well... there is one thing I must report to you."

Director Li nodded, walked forward, and said in a serious tone, "I went to Jinling two days ago, and our academician Lu brought us another surprise."

"Since it's a surprise, what are you doing with such a serious expression?"

Hearing Director Li's words, the old man smiled, raised his hand to signal him to stop first, and handed out the letter in his hand.

"You should take this letter and read it first."

After a little hesitation, Director Li took the letter from the old man.

After sweeping his eyes twice, he was taken aback for a moment, then a helpless smile appeared on his face, and he returned the letter to the smiling old man.

"...It seems that Professor Lu has considered it thoroughly."

"Yes," the old man nodded with a smile, and said with emotion, "It is indeed a blessing for the Republic to have a scholar like Academician Lu."

Pausing for a moment, he restrained the smile on his face, put on a businesslike expression and continued.

"Tell me what you think of this letter."

Director Li pondered for a long time before speaking.

"My suggestion is to keep it secret for now."

The expression on the old man's face didn't change, he just asked.

"reason?"

"Although quantum computer technology has made a breakthrough, as Professor Lu warned us in his letter, our society does not yet have an encryption algorithm that can cope with this decryption method."

Having said that, Director Li paused for a moment, and hastily observed the expression on the old man's face.

Seeing the old man nodded, he was relieved and continued.

"...I suggest that the Chinese Academy of Sciences release some rumors first, so that all walks of life can prepare for this advanced research. After all, if it is Professor Lu..."

Having said that, Director Li made a helpless smile on his face.

"I'm afraid it will really cause panic."

The old man nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with this point.

It's okay if it's a long-term process.

From birth to maturity of a technology, society may have already subtly adapted to the changes brought about by it.

However, if it is suddenly announced that quantum computer technology has achieved a breakthrough of five hundred or even more than a thousand qubits in one go, it is undoubtedly equivalent to announcing that the original encryption rules are directly abolished.

The impact on finance—and all industries that depend on information security—is like an atomic bomb dropped directly on the head. The whole society has to adapt to this drastic change in a drastic way.

If someone is fanning the flames and fueling the flames, crazy things like "take all the money out of the bank" and "terminate all online transactions" will happen.

Considering Professor Lu's own influence...

There is little doubt that these things are bound to happen.

After all, for this scholar who speaks his words and never exaggerates, almost most people will not doubt that the news that comes out of his mouth may be false.

After pondering for a long time, the old man said, "It is impossible to suppress this matter forever. We have to consider Academician Lu's feelings. Besides, the risks brought by new technologies must be considered, but preventing the birth of new technologies is an act against the trend of history. This kind of thing can’t be done.”

"I think so too," Director Li nodded, "So my suggestion is, on the one hand, let the Chinese Academy of Sciences release some rumors first, and use a research team that is not so sensitive but not small. First artificially create the heat in this area. Then cooperate with other propaganda machines to make quantum computers the next technological outlet."

Old man: "What about the other side?"

Director Li: "On the other hand, just like Academician Lu proposed! We must master an encryption algorithm that is difficult for even a quantum computer to crack! Once we can master this algorithm, all possible risks related to quantum computing will be eliminated. It will be transformed into our advantage in this round of information technology revolution!"

After patting his thigh, the old man said approvingly.

"That's right! Then... who do you think is better to entrust this task to?"

Looking at the old man's piercing pupils, Director Li made a helpless expression in his heart.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that the old man actually already has a suitable candidate in his heart, but he just intends to let himself propose it.

"...Information encryption is the specialty of mathematicians, and Academician Lu is the top mathematician in our country. Besides, he also created the quantum computer. No one knows the sharpness of this spear better than him. Even if it is psychological, The 'shield' made by him will also feel more secure than those made by others."

"I suggest that Professor Lu be in charge."

Hearing the answer that met his expectations, the old man showed an approving smile on his face.

"This proposal is good. I will personally write a reply letter to Academician Lu and appoint him to complete this arduous and glorious task!"

"As for the rest, just do as you said."

Feeling the heavy pressure on his shoulders, Director Li nodded heavily.

"yes!"