Hackers are stealing data today so quantum computers can crack it in a decade

Re:Hackers are stealing data today so quantum computers can ... by hprotagonist on Wednesday November 03, 2021 @09:36AM (#29094335)

The longer the key you are trying to generate, the longer this takes. Randy is trying to generate one that is ridiculously long. He has pointed out to Avi, in an encrypted e mail message, that if every particle of matter in the universe could be used to construct one single cosmic supercomputer, and this computer was put to work trying to break a 4096 bit encryption key, it would take longer than the lifespan of the universe.
"Using today's technology," Avi shot back. "that is true. But what about quantum computers? And what if new mathematical techniques are developed that can simplify the factoring of large numbers?"
"How long do you want these messages to remain secret?" Randy asked, in his last message before leaving San Francisco. "Five years? Ten years? Twenty five years?"
After he got to the hotel this afternoon, Randy decrypted and read Avi's answer. It is still hanging in front of his eyes, like the afterimage of a strobe:

I want them to remain secret for as long as men are capable of evil.*

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Re:Hackers are stealing data today so quantum computers can ... by adenozine on Wednesday November 03, 2021 @09:40AM (#29094391)

Cryptonomicon!

What a tasteful reference on HN. Love that book.

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Re:Hackers are stealing data today so quantum computers can ... by 0des on Wednesday November 03, 2021 @10:44PM (#29103145)

A favorite of mine as well; I think theres a Shaftoe in a lot of us. For the uninitiated, it took me about 48 hours of reading to get through. The depth of Stephenson's side-stories and historic background are as captivating as they are numerous, to me it is emblematic of his writing style.

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Re:Hackers are stealing data today so quantum computers can ... by ivan_ah on Wednesday November 03, 2021 @10:23AM (#29095019)

It's a good book indeed.

Here is another quote about metis, which I reread every time I need inspiration: https://markpasc.org/blog/gems/athena.html

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Re:Hackers are stealing data today so quantum computers can ... by LatteLazy on Wednesday November 03, 2021 @12:08PM (#29096589)

Literally just listened to this bit...

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