The term "crypto quantum leap" refers to the potential impact of quantum computers on cryptography, particularly on cryptographic algorithms that are widely used today. Quantum computers have the potential to solve certain mathematical problems significantly faster than classical computers. This has implications for cryptographic protocols that rely on the difficulty of these mathematical problems for their security.
Many of the commonly used public-key cryptographic algorithms, such as RSA and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), are based on the difficulty of factoring large numbers or solving the discrete logarithm problem. Quantum computers, if large enough and error-corrected, could potentially break these algorithms using algorithms such as Shor's algorithm.
A quantum computer with enough qubits and a high level of coherence could efficiently factor large numbers, which would render the security of current public-key cryptography vulnerable. This is often referred to as "quantum computing breaking classical cryptography."
To mitigate this potential threat, researchers have been exploring and developing new cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers. These are known as post-quantum or quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. These algorithms are designed to maintain security even in the presence of a powerful quantum adversary.
The development and adoption of post-quantum cryptography are crucial to ensure the long-term security of sensitive information, such as financial transactions, personal data, and communication networks, in the era of quantum computers. Standardization bodies and research communities are actively working to identify and promote quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms to prepare for the arrival of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.