Fujitsu Quantum Simulator Assesses Vulnerability of RSA Cryptosystem

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As concerns mount surrounding the potential threat posed by quantum computing to existing cryptographic methods, Fujitsu revealed that it conducted successful trials to evaluate the widely-used RSA cryptosystem for possible vulnerability to code-cracking by quantum computers.

Fujitsu conducted the trials in January 2023 using its 39-qubit quantum simulator to assess how difficult it would be for quantum computers to crack existing RSA cryptography, using a Shor's algorithm to determine the resources necessary to perform such a task. Fujitsu researchers discovered that a fault-tolerant quantum computer with a scale of approximately 10,000 qubits and 2.23 trillion quantum gates would be required to crack RSA -- well beyond the capabilities of even the most advanced quantum computers in the world today. Researchers further estimated that it would be necessary to conduct fault-tolerant quantum computation for about 104 days to successfully crack RSA .

While the research reveals that the limitations of present quantum computing technology preclude the possibility of this threat in the short term, Fujitsu will continue to proactively evaluate the potential impact of increasingly powerful quantum computers on cryptography security, as well as the eventual need for quantum-resistant cryptography. Dr. Tetsuya Izu, Senior Director of Data & Security Research at Fujitsu Limited and Global Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer, commented: "Our research demonstrates that quantum computing doesn't pose an immediate threat to existing cryptographic methods. We cannot be complacent either, however. The world needs to begin preparing now for the possibility that one day quantum computers could fundamentally transform the way we think about security."

With plans to boost performance of its quantum simulator to 40 qubits by the first quarter of fiscal 2023, and recently revealed plans to build a 64 qubit superconducting quantum computer within fiscal 2023 with the cooperation of RIKEN, Fujitsu remains at the vanguard of research and development in this critical field.