A scientist named Ed Gerck has claimed a significant advancement in quantum computing by asserting that he has broken the RSA-2048 key, one of the most widely used encryption methods. Gerck, who works as a quantum computing developer at Planalto Research, a firm based in Mountain View, California, contends that quantum computing has become a reality, and that RSA-2048 has been compromised.
In his research paper titled “QC Algorithms: Faster Calculation of Prime Numbers,” Gerck states that he and his team employed a quantum computing system based on quantum mechanics that could be run using ordinary hardware and cost less than $1,000. However, Gerck’s claim has been met with skepticism by cryptographers and security experts.
Some are questioning the practicality of his claims, especially since RSA-2048 is considered highly secure, and powerful enough quantum computers capable of breaking it do not yet exist. Gerck’s research paper appears to be theoretical and has not been peer-reviewed, leading experts to seek concrete evidence to validate his claim. The potential implications of Gerck’s assertions are significant, as breaking RSA encryption could pose a threat to sensitive data that relies on this security method. The rise of quantum computing as a threat to existing encryption technologies has prompted efforts to transition to post-quantum cryptography, with organizations and cloud providers already working on quantum-resistant encryption methods.
The skepticism surrounding Gerck’s claims underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny in the field of quantum computing, given the potential consequences for cybersecurity and data protection.
