this post was submitted on 15 Nov 2024
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Showerthoughts

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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.

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[–] Vinny_93@lemmy.world 36 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Quantum computing. It would have already been but it still has a very nerdy, no real-world application vibe.

[–] 9point6@lemmy.world 25 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (4 children)

Well the real world application is breaking nearly all existing encryption.

Criminals and spies are going to have a field day once it becomes practical.

[–] drosophila@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

It only breaks asymmetric encryption like SSL and PGP. The strength of symmetric encryption, like you have with password protected files and drive volumes, is reduced somewhat but should still be more than sufficient.

And like the other commenter said, there are asymmetric algorithms that are quantum-safe, they just aren't in widespread use (though apparently just this year NIST announced a standard for lattice based cryptography).

[–] Valmond@lemmy.world 11 points 2 days ago

The new asymmetric quantum safe algos are coming though.

[–] partial_accumen@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

With classic cryptography being broken that also opens the need for quantum cryptography and commnications. China is a bit farther ahead of us on this launching their first satellite encorporating these concepts in 2020:

"The nation’s Micius satellite successfully established an ultrasecure link between two ground stations separated by more than 1,000 kilometers" source

China is launching a second newer generation satellite next year. source

[–] dch82@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 day ago

I could swear we've been preparing for that day for a decade now