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Quantum Attacks

Definition

Quantum attacks are methods that use quantum computers to compromise existing cryptographic security systems. These attacks leverage the unique computational properties of quantum mechanics to efficiently solve mathematical problems currently considered intractable for classical computers. Specifically, Shor’s algorithm can factor large numbers, thereby compromising widely used public-key encryption schemes like RSA and elliptic curve cryptography. Grover’s algorithm offers a quadratic speedup for searching unsorted databases, potentially weakening symmetric-key algorithms and hash functions through faster brute-force attempts.