The countdown is on to Q-Day, when an algorithm written more than 30 years ago could run on a quantum computer and compromise the security of data on the internet. How are we preparing?

As quantum computing moves closer to becoming reality, bad actors are already harvesting data to crack encryption later.

Ahead of schedule, Metaculus now predicts that quantum computers could factor an RSA number using Shor's algorithm by 2034. This is almost 20 years sooner than the previous forecast of 2052. These ...

A quantum computer algorithm that is used to find the prime factors in an encryption key. Created by applied mathematician Peter Shor in the mid-1990s, Shor's algorithm may be used to break the codes ...

Quantum factor: the Paul trap used by Monz and colleagues. (Courtesy: C Lackner/Quantum Optics and Spectroscopy Group, University of Innsbruck) A quantum computer made of five trapped ions has been ...

Scott Aaronson, quantum computer expert, explains the most famous quantum computer algorithm using minimal math. 1. Find a property that is shared by all of possible answers which can be compared. For ...

Arxiv – Pretending to factor large numbers on a quantum computer – Shor’s algorithm for factoring in polynomial time on a quantum computer gives an enormous advantage over all known classical ...

Researchers report that they have designed and built a quantum computer from five atoms in an ion trap. The computer uses laser pulses to carry out Shor's algorithm on each atom, to correctly factor ...

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American Peter Shor is a poet. Here is a limerick he ...