New research from Penn State University found that quantum computers are exposed to serious security risks, despite the promise to revolutionise science and industry with their unmatched processing power. Researchers also said that securing quantum computers requires more than protecting software, adding that it must also be treated as a critical part of any defence strategy.&nbsp;"Quantum computers are expected to deliver extraordinary speed and computing power, with the potential to transform scientific research and business operations. That same power also makes them especially appealing targets for cyberattacks," said Swaroop Ghosh, a professor of computer science and electrical engineering at the Penn State School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.&nbsp;“Quantum computers need to be safeguarded from the ground up. At the device level, developers should focus on mitigating crosstalk and other sources of noise -- external interference -- that may leak information or impede effective information transfer. At the circuit level, techniques like scrambling and information encoding must be used to protect the data built into the system. At the system level, hardware needs to be compartmentalised by dividing business data into different groups, granting users specific access based on their roles and adding a layer of protection to the information. New software techniques and extensions need to be developed to detect and fortify quantum programs against security threats,” he added.&nbsp;He said, unlike traditional computers, which rely on bits that exist as either zero or one, quantum computers operate using quantum bits, or qubits. These qubits can exist as zero, one or both at the same time through a phenomenon known as superposition. They can also be linked through entanglement, allowing quantum machines to process exponentially larger amounts of data compared with classical systems.&nbsp;This capability makes quantum computers highly attractive for industries such as pharmaceuticals, where they could dramatically speed up drug discovery and development. However, the same complexity introduces unique security challenges.<h3>Interconnected qubits and unwanted interactions</h3>Meanwhile, another researcher from the university, Suryansh Upadhyay, claimed that there is currently no efficient way to verify the integrity of quantum programs and compilers, many of which are developed by third parties. This leaves sensitive corporate and personal data vulnerable to theft or manipulation. He also warned that intellectual property is often embedded directly into quantum circuits, meaning exposed circuits could allow attackers to extract proprietary algorithms, financial data or even critical infrastructure details.&nbsp;Another risk stems from the very feature that gives quantum computers their power: interconnected qubits. Unwanted interactions, known as crosstalk, can leak information or disrupt computations, especially when multiple users share the same quantum processor. "Since quantum computers are still a relatively new technology, there is not much incentive for attackers to target them, but as the computers are integrated into industry and our day-to-day life, they will become a prime target," Upadhyay said.&nbsp;The researchers argued that current cybersecurity techniques, which are used in classical computing, are largely ineffective for quantum systems. They added that the commercial providers are currently focused on making quantum computers reliable rather than secure, leaving critical assets such as circuit designs and encoded data without full protection.&nbsp;In order to solve these risks, Ghosh said security must be designed into quantum computers from the ground up. This includes reducing noise and crosstalk at the hardware level, protecting data at the circuit level using encoding and scrambling, and compartmentalising information at the system level. In addition, he highlighted that new software tools will also be required to detect and counter emerging quantum-specific threats as the technology moves closer to widespread use. &nbsp;

The researchers said that current cybersecurity techniques, which are used in classical computing, are largely ineffective for quantum systems. They added that the commercial providers are currently focused on making quantum computers reliable rather than secure.

New research from Penn State University found that quantum computers are exposed to serious security risks, despite the promise to revolutionise science and industry with their unmatched processing power. Researchers also said that securing quantum computers requires more than protecting software, adding that it must also be treated as a critical part of any defence strategy. "Quantum computers are expected to deliver extraordinary speed and computing power, with the potential to transform scientific research and business operations. That same power also makes them especially appealing targets for cyberattacks," said Swaroop Ghosh, a professor of computer science and electrical engineering at the Penn State School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “Quantum computers need to be safeguarded from the ground up. At the device level, developers should focus on mitigating crosstalk and other sources of noise -- external interference -- that may leak information or impede effective information transfer. At the circuit level, techniques like scrambling and information encoding must be used to protect the data built into the system. At the system level, hardware needs to be compartmentalised by dividing business data into different groups, granting users specific access based on their roles and adding a layer of protection to the information. New software techniques and extensions need to be developed to detect and fortify quantum programs against security threats,” he added. He said, unlike traditional computers, which rely on bits that exist as either zero or one, quantum computers operate using quantum bits, or qubits. These qubits can exist as zero, one or both at the same time through a phenomenon known as superposition. They can also be linked through entanglement, allowing quantum machines to process exponentially larger amounts of data compared with classical systems. This capability makes quantum computers highly attractive for industries such as pharmaceuticals, where they could dramatically speed up drug discovery and development. However, the same complexity introduces unique security challenges. Interconnected qubits and unwanted interactions Meanwhile, another researcher from the university, Suryansh Upadhyay, claimed that there is currently no efficient way to verify the integrity of quantum programs and compilers, many of which are developed by third parties. This leaves sensitive corporate and personal data vulnerable to theft or manipulation. He also warned that intellectual property is often embedded directly into quantum circuits, meaning exposed circuits could allow attackers to extract proprietary algorithms, financial data or even critical infrastructure details. Another risk stems from the very feature that gives quantum computers their power: interconnected qubits. Unwanted interactions, known as crosstalk, can leak information or disrupt computations, especially when multiple users share the same quantum processor. "Since quantum computers are still a relatively new technology, there is not much incentive for attackers to target them, but as the computers are integrated into industry and our day-to-day life, they will become a prime target," Upadhyay said. The researchers argued that current cybersecurity techniques, which are used in classical computing, are largely ineffective for quantum systems. They added that the commercial providers are currently focused on making quantum computers reliable rather than secure, leaving critical assets such as circuit designs and encoded data without full protection. In order to solve these risks, Ghosh said security must be designed into quantum computers from the ground up. This includes reducing noise and crosstalk at the hardware level, protecting data at the circuit level using encoding and scrambling, and compartmentalising information at the system level. In addition, he highlighted that new software tools will also be required to detect and counter emerging quantum-specific threats as the technology moves closer to widespread use.

The researchers said that current cybersecurity techniques, which are used in classical computing, are largely ineffective for quantum systems. They added that the commercial providers are currently focused on making quantum computers reliable rather than secure.

Quantum computers have serious security flaws? Here's what researchers warn

Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in how we solve problems, offering capabilities far beyond traditional computers. With the power to process immense amounts of data simultaneously, quantum systems could revolutionize industries from medicine to logistics.

Decoding the future of quantum computing: promise vs reality

A team of Chinese researchers have claimed a breakthrough to solve vulnerabilities of mainstream encryption mechanisms. They have claimed that their new, quantum code-breaking algorithm could reduce the scale of a practical quantum computer. The claim has been met with doubts from researchers in the United States.&nbsp;

The team, led by Professor Long Guilu of Tsinghua University, claimed in a yet-to-be-published paper that its new algorithm could reduce the scale of a practical quantum computer to 372 qubits, reported South China Morning Post.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-netherlands-plans-curbs-on-china-chip-exports-541148">World Business Watch | Netherlands plans curbs on China chip exports</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-netherlands-plans-curbs-on-china-chip-exports-541148/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This is even less than that of IBM's Osprey which operates with "433 qubits and is nowhere near breaking codes".&nbsp;

Qubit is the basic unit of quantum computing. Just like a bit is the fundamental unit of data storage (which can be expanded to kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte and so on), qubit is the fundamental unit of quantum computing.

Last year in November, New York-based IBM unveiled a new 433 qubit Quantum processor that has the potential to run complex quantum computations much beyond the capability of any typical computer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mulling-expanding-chinese-tech-ban-to-quantum-computing-527337">US mulling expanding Chinese tech ban to quantum computing</a>

Called 'IBM Osprey,' it has the largest qubit count of any IBM quantum processor, more than tripling the 127 qubits on the IBM 'Eagle' processor unveiled in 2021.

Reports citing experts suggest that the latest claim by Chinese scientists has left senior security and quantum experts in the US concerned.

"It might not be correct, but it's not obviously wrong. And there's the nagging question of why the Chinese government didn't classify this research," American cryptographer Bruce Schneier said in a blog post.

Scott Aaronson, director of the quantum information centre at the University of Texas at Austin, said a major problem with the Chinese research paper was its failure to clarify the advantage of quantum technology over classical computers.

"It seems to me that a miracle would be required for the approach here to yield any benefit at all, compared to just running the classical Schnorr's algorithm on your laptop," Aaronson wrote in a blog post.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A team of Chinese researchers have claimed a breakthrough to solve vulnerabilities of mainstream encryption mechanisms. They have claimed that their new, quantum code-breaking algorithm could reduce the scale of a practical quantum computer.

A team of Chinese researchers have claimed a breakthrough to solve vulnerabilities of mainstream encryption mechanisms. They have claimed that their new, quantum code-breaking algorithm could reduce the scale of a practical quantum computer. The claim has been met with doubts from researchers in the United States. The team, led by Professor Long Guilu of Tsinghua University, claimed in a yet-to-be-published paper that its new algorithm could reduce the scale of a practical quantum computer to 372 qubits, reported South China Morning Post. ALSO WATCH | World Business Watch | Netherlands plans curbs on China chip exports × This is even less than that of IBM's Osprey which operates with "433 qubits and is nowhere near breaking codes". Qubit is the basic unit of quantum computing. Just like a bit is the fundamental unit of data storage (which can be expanded to kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte and so on), qubit is the fundamental unit of quantum computing. Last year in November, New York-based IBM unveiled a new 433 qubit Quantum processor that has the potential to run complex quantum computations much beyond the capability of any typical computer. ALSO READ | US mulling expanding Chinese tech ban to quantum computing Called 'IBM Osprey,' it has the largest qubit count of any IBM quantum processor, more than tripling the 127 qubits on the IBM 'Eagle' processor unveiled in 2021. Reports citing experts suggest that the latest claim by Chinese scientists has left senior security and quantum experts in the US concerned. "It might not be correct, but it's not obviously wrong. And there's the nagging question of why the Chinese government didn't classify this research," American cryptographer Bruce Schneier said in a blog post. Scott Aaronson, director of the quantum information centre at the University of Texas at Austin, said a major problem with the Chinese research paper was its failure to clarify the advantage of quantum technology over classical computers. "It seems to me that a miracle would be required for the approach here to yield any benefit at all, compared to just running the classical Schnorr's algorithm on your laptop," Aaronson wrote in a blog post. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese claims breakthrough in advanced quantum computing technology, experts raise doubts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-states-plan-google-antitrust-meeting-next-month-in-colorado-report-257621">Alphabet Inc's Google</a> said on Wednesday it had achieved a breakthrough in computing research by using a quantum computer to solve in minutes a complex problem that would take today's most powerful supercomputer thousands of years to crack.

Google researchers expect that quantum computers within a few years will fuel advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, materials science, and chemistry. The company is racing rivals including IBM Corp and Microsoft Corp to be the first to commercialize the technology and sell it through its cloud computing business.

"We're hoping that when people start using this and looking at performance stability and cloud interface, they'll get really excited about what we have to offer at Google," John Martinis, the company's chief scientist for quantum hardware, told reporters.

The breakthrough was described in a paper published in the science journal Nature. It followed weeks of controversy since a draft leaked over whether Google's claim of "quantum supremacy" was valid.

IBM said a supercomputer employing a different set-up could solve the same challenge in under three days, while chipmaker Intel said, "quantum practicality" remained years away.

Google defended its position but did not dispute rivals' contentions. It has manufactured a handful of chips with 54 'qubits', vastly more powerful than the standard 64-bit chip in many consumer devices. However, for the technology to be useful to customers, it would need to make chips with thousands of qubits.

Martinis said Google sees "a pathway" to a computer with 1,000 qubits and expressed confidence that it had a reliable process to make its new chip, dubbed Sycamore.

The US&nbsp;and Chinese governments have led in the burgeoning quantum technology field, pledging billions of dollars in funding to corporate and state researchers to fast-track quantum development and mitigate possible issues, including the tech's expected ability to break digital encryption.

Google has been among the beneficiaries of American support. "The United States has taken a great leap forward in quantum computing," said US&nbsp;chief technology officer Michael Kratsios on Wednesday.

Long-held dream

For decades, computer scientists have sought to harness quantum physics, laws governing the behaviour of particles that are smaller than atoms and can simultaneously exist in different states.

Quantum bits, or qubits, can be set to one and zero at the same time, unlike today's computer bits that are either ones or zeros. This superposition property multiplies exponentially as qubits become entangled with each other, meaning the more qubits connected, the vastly more powerful a quantum computer becomes.

But there is a catch: Quantum researchers need to cool qubits to about absolute zero (-273 degrees Celsius or -460 degrees Fahrenheit) to limit vibration - or "noise" - that causes errors in calculations. It is in this challenging task that Google, which has designed much of its own electronics and used liquid helium for cooling, has made significant progress.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-plans-to-relaunch-in-china-without-right-conditions-ceo-sundar-pichai-228341">CEO Sundar Pichai</a> compared the achievement to building the first rocket to leave Earth's atmosphere and touch the edge of space, an advance that brought interplanetary travel into the realm of the possible.

"For those of us working in science and technology, it's the 'hello world' moment we've been waiting for - the most meaningful milestone to date in the quest to make quantum computing a reality," Pichai wrote in a blog https://blog.google/perspectives/sundar-pichai/what-our-quantum-computing-milestone-means.

Sycamore, measuring about 10 mm (0.39 inch) across, is made using aluminium and indium parts sandwiched between two silicon wafers. In their experiment this year, the researchers were able to get 53 of Sycamore's qubits to interact in a quantum state.

They then had the quantum computer detect patterns in a series of seemingly random numbers, and it succeeded in 3 minutes and 20 seconds. They estimated that the same problem would take 10,000 years for a Summit supercomputer - the most powerful in the world today - to solve.

Hold on a qubit

While the peer-reviewed research has drawn plaudits, with MIT's William D. Oliver comparing it to the Wright brothers' first flights, sceptics say Google is over-selling its achievement.

IBM said a supercomputer with additional disk storage can solve the random number problem in at most 2-1/2 days and with greater accuracy. It also said Google risked misleading the public by implying the new-style computers would replace existing ones.

"Quantum computers will never reign 'supreme' over classical computers, but will rather work in concert with them, since each has their unique strengths," Dario Gil, director of research at IBM, wrote in a blog.

Torsten Siebert, manager of the quantum computing research program at Germany's Fraunhofer Society, agreed that "progress was likely to be achieved through such hybrid combinations."

Researchers also have expressed concern about quantum computers being used, for example, to unseal secure data and passwords or enable new forms of surveillance.

But before quantum computers can break codes, security experts have plenty of time to adapt, Martinis said.

"We're pretty confident we'll all stay safe and secure in the future," he said.

Alphabet Inc's Google said on Wednesday it had achieved a breakthrough in computing research by using a quantum computer to solve in minutes a complex problem that would take today's most powerful supercomputer thousands of years to crack.

Alphabet Inc's Google said on Wednesday it had achieved a breakthrough in computing research by using a quantum computer to solve in minutes a complex problem that would take today's most powerful supercomputer thousands of years to crack. Google researchers expect that quantum computers within a few years will fuel advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, materials science, and chemistry. The company is racing rivals including IBM Corp and Microsoft Corp to be the first to commercialize the technology and sell it through its cloud computing business. "We're hoping that when people start using this and looking at performance stability and cloud interface, they'll get really excited about what we have to offer at Google," John Martinis, the company's chief scientist for quantum hardware, told reporters. The breakthrough was described in a paper published in the science journal Nature. It followed weeks of controversy since a draft leaked over whether Google's claim of "quantum supremacy" was valid. IBM said a supercomputer employing a different set-up could solve the same challenge in under three days, while chipmaker Intel said, "quantum practicality" remained years away. Google defended its position but did not dispute rivals' contentions. It has manufactured a handful of chips with 54 'qubits', vastly more powerful than the standard 64-bit chip in many consumer devices. However, for the technology to be useful to customers, it would need to make chips with thousands of qubits. Martinis said Google sees "a pathway" to a computer with 1,000 qubits and expressed confidence that it had a reliable process to make its new chip, dubbed Sycamore. The US and Chinese governments have led in the burgeoning quantum technology field, pledging billions of dollars in funding to corporate and state researchers to fast-track quantum development and mitigate possible issues, including the tech's expected ability to break digital encryption. Google has been among the beneficiaries of American support. "The United States has taken a great leap forward in quantum computing," said US chief technology officer Michael Kratsios on Wednesday. Long-held dream For decades, computer scientists have sought to harness quantum physics, laws governing the behaviour of particles that are smaller than atoms and can simultaneously exist in different states. Quantum bits, or qubits, can be set to one and zero at the same time, unlike today's computer bits that are either ones or zeros. This superposition property multiplies exponentially as qubits become entangled with each other, meaning the more qubits connected, the vastly more powerful a quantum computer becomes. But there is a catch: Quantum researchers need to cool qubits to about absolute zero (-273 degrees Celsius or -460 degrees Fahrenheit) to limit vibration - or "noise" - that causes errors in calculations. It is in this challenging task that Google, which has designed much of its own electronics and used liquid helium for cooling, has made significant progress. CEO Sundar Pichai compared the achievement to building the first rocket to leave Earth's atmosphere and touch the edge of space, an advance that brought interplanetary travel into the realm of the possible. "For those of us working in science and technology, it's the 'hello world' moment we've been waiting for - the most meaningful milestone to date in the quest to make quantum computing a reality," Pichai wrote in a blog https://blog.google/perspectives/sundar-pichai/what-our-quantum-computing-milestone-means. Sycamore, measuring about 10 mm (0.39 inch) across, is made using aluminium and indium parts sandwiched between two silicon wafers. In their experiment this year, the researchers were able to get 53 of Sycamore's qubits to interact in a quantum state. They then had the quantum computer detect patterns in a series of seemingly random numbers, and it succeeded in 3 minutes and 20 seconds. They estimated that the same problem would take 10,000 years for a Summit supercomputer - the most powerful in the world today - to solve. Hold on a qubit While the peer-reviewed research has drawn plaudits, with MIT's William D. Oliver comparing it to the Wright brothers' first flights, sceptics say Google is over-selling its achievement. IBM said a supercomputer with additional disk storage can solve the random number problem in at most 2-1/2 days and with greater accuracy. It also said Google risked misleading the public by implying the new-style computers would replace existing ones. "Quantum computers will never reign 'supreme' over classical computers, but will rather work in concert with them, since each has their unique strengths," Dario Gil, director of research at IBM, wrote in a blog. Torsten Siebert, manager of the quantum computing research program at Germany's Fraunhofer Society, agreed that "progress was likely to be achieved through such hybrid combinations." Researchers also have expressed concern about quantum computers being used, for example, to unseal secure data and passwords or enable new forms of surveillance. But before quantum computers can break codes, security experts have plenty of time to adapt, Martinis said. "We're pretty confident we'll all stay safe and secure in the future," he said.

Google unveils quantum computer breakthrough; critics say wait a qubit

quantum-computers

Quantum Computers, News on Quantum Computers, stories on Quantum Computers, articles on Quantum Computers, Quantum Computers stories at Wion, Quantum Computers news, Quantum Computers latest news