5G quantum encryption
A team of researchers at Shanghai University (China), led by Professor Wang Chao, used a D-Wave quantum computer to successfully break the SPN (Substitution–Permutation Network) cipher, a cryptographic algorithm widely employed for encrypting information.
This cipher forms the backbone of standards like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), which is in extensive use today. The scientists published their findings in a compelling paper titled “Public-Key Cryptographic Attack Algorithm Based on Quantum Processing Leveraging D-Wave’s Advantage.”
Interestingly, Professor Wang Chao and his team deployed two main strategies in their attack on cryptographic algorithms. The first broadly involves presenting the quantum computer with a combined optimization-and-search problem. Quantum machines excel at tackling these kinds of challenges.
Their second strategy combines the Schnorr algorithm, Babai’s rounding technique, and a quantum optimization method. In any case, the most striking conclusion from these Chinese scientists is that AES-256 and other military-grade encryption algorithms are closer than ever to being vulnerable.
One alternative to the threat of quantum computers breaking many ciphers is to employ quantum systems themselves for encryption. For example, quantum systems can generate private keys at distant locations by transmitting entangled photons between different points on the globe—just as China has done with its Micius satellite.
How is 5G encrypted today? 5G security relies on classic cryptographic algorithms such as:
- HMAC-SHA256 for integrity verification
- EAP-AKA, 5G-AKA, and other authentication mechanisms
- AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for symmetric encryption
Keys are negotiated via KDFs (Key Derivation Functions) and secure control-plane methods.
To remain secure in the future, 5G will need to evolve toward post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms, for example:
- Kyber (key exchange)
- Dilithium (digital signatures)
- NTRU, FrodoKEM, SPHINCS+…
Exciting times lie ahead!
