#encryptionkeys

Yonhap Infomax Newsinfomaxkorea
2026-02-03

KT Corp. has developed South Korea's fastest quantum key distribution device, generating 300,000 encryption keys per second, doubling its previous record and matching global standards.

en.infomaxai.com/news/articleV

eicker.news ᳇ tech newstechnews@eicker.news
2026-01-25

#Microsoft provided #encryptionkeys for #BitLocker protected data on three laptops to the #FBI, following a warrant. This is the first known instance of Microsoft providing encryption keys to law enforcement. Privacy experts argue it exposes users to unwanted access and highlighting the risks of storing encryption keys on Microsoft’s servers. forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewste #tech #media #news

How Quantum Computing Could Change Cybersecurity

1,043 words, 6 minutes read time.

Quantum computing is no longer a distant dream scribbled on whiteboards at research labs; it is a looming reality that promises to disrupt every corner of the digital landscape. For cybersecurity professionals, from the analysts sifting through logs at 2 a.m. to CISOs defending multimillion-dollar digital fortresses, the quantum revolution is both a threat and an opportunity. The very encryption schemes that secure our communications, financial transactions, and sensitive corporate data could be rendered obsolete by the computational power of qubits. This isn’t science fiction—it’s an urgent wake-up call. In this article, I’ll explore how quantum computing could break traditional cryptography, force the adoption of post-quantum defenses, and transform the way we model and respond to cyber threats. Understanding these shifts isn’t optional for security professionals anymore; it’s survival.

Breaking Encryption: The Quantum Threat to Current Security

The first and most immediate concern for anyone in cybersecurity is that quantum computers can render our existing cryptographic systems ineffective. Traditional encryption methods, such as RSA and ECC, rely on mathematical problems that classical computers cannot solve efficiently. RSA, for example, depends on the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers, while ECC leverages complex elliptic curve relationships. These are the foundations of secure communications, e-commerce, and cloud storage, and for decades, they have kept adversaries at bay. Enter quantum computing, armed with Shor’s algorithm—a method capable of factoring these massive numbers exponentially faster than any classical machine. In practical terms, a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could crack RSA-2048 in a matter of hours or even minutes, exposing sensitive data once thought safe. Grover’s algorithm further threatens symmetric encryption by effectively halving key lengths, making AES-128 more vulnerable than security architects might realize. In my years monitoring security incidents, I’ve seen teams underestimate risk, assuming that encryption is invulnerable as long as key lengths are long enough. Quantum computing demolishes that assumption, creating a paradigm where legacy systems and outdated protocols are no longer just inconvenient—they are liabilities waiting to be exploited.

Post-Quantum Cryptography: Building the Defenses of Tomorrow

As frightening as the threat is, the cybersecurity industry isn’t standing still. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is already taking shape, spearheaded by NIST’s multi-year standardization process. This isn’t just theoretical work; these cryptosystems are designed to withstand attacks from both classical and quantum computers. Lattice-based cryptography, for example, leverages complex mathematical structures that quantum algorithms struggle to break, while hash-based and code-based schemes offer alternative layers of protection for digital signatures and authentication. Transitioning to post-quantum algorithms is far from trivial, especially for large enterprises with sprawling IT infrastructures, legacy systems, and regulatory compliance requirements. Yet the work begins today, not tomorrow. From a practical standpoint, I’ve advised organizations to start by mapping cryptographic inventories, identifying where RSA or ECC keys are in use, and simulating migrations to PQC algorithms in controlled environments. The key takeaway is that the shift to quantum-resistant cryptography isn’t an optional upgrade—it’s a strategic imperative. Companies that delay this transition risk catastrophic exposure, particularly as nation-state actors and well-funded cybercriminal groups begin experimenting with quantum technologies in secret labs.

Quantum Computing and Threat Modeling: A Strategic Shift

Beyond encryption, quantum computing will fundamentally alter threat modeling and incident response. Current cybersecurity frameworks and MITRE ATT&CK mappings are built around adversaries constrained by classical computing limits. Quantum technology changes the playing field, allowing attackers to solve previously intractable problems, reverse-engineer cryptographic keys, and potentially breach systems thought secure for decades. From a SOC analyst’s perspective, this requires a mindset shift: monitoring, detection, and response strategies must anticipate capabilities that don’t yet exist outside of labs. For CISOs, the challenge is even greater—aligning board-level risk discussions with the abstract, probabilistic threats posed by quantum computing. I’ve observed that many security leaders struggle to communicate emerging threats without causing panic, but quantum computing isn’t hypothetical anymore. It demands proactive investment in R&D, participation in standardization efforts, and real-world testing of quantum-safe protocols. In the trenches, threat hunters will need to refine anomaly detection models, factoring in the possibility of attackers leveraging quantum-powered cryptanalysis or accelerating attacks that once required months of computation. The long-term winners in cybersecurity will be those who can integrate quantum risk into their operational and strategic planning today.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Quantum Era

Quantum computing promises to be the most disruptive force in cybersecurity since the advent of the internet itself. The risks are tangible: encryption once considered unbreakable may crumble, exposing sensitive data; organizations that ignore post-quantum cryptography will face immense vulnerabilities; and threat modeling will require a fundamental reevaluation of attacker capabilities. But this is not a reason for despair—it is a call to action. Security professionals who begin preparing now, by inventorying cryptographic assets, adopting post-quantum strategies, and updating threat models, will turn the quantum challenge into a competitive advantage. In my years in the field, I’ve learned that the edge in cybersecurity always belongs to those who anticipate the next wave rather than react to it. Quantum computing is that next wave, and the time to surf it—or be crushed—is now. For analysts, architects, and CISOs alike, embracing this reality is the only way to ensure our digital fortresses remain unbreachable in a world that quantum computing is poised to redefine.

Call to Action

If this breakdown helped you think a little clearer about the threats out there, don’t just click away. Subscribe for more no-nonsense security insights, drop a comment with your thoughts or questions, or reach out if there’s a topic you want me to tackle next. Stay sharp out there.

D. Bryan King

Sources

NIST: Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization
NISTIR 8105: Report on Post-Quantum Cryptography
CISA Cybersecurity Advisories
Mandiant Annual Threat Report
MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Schneier on Security Blog
KrebsOnSecurity
Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report
Shor, Peter W. (1994) Algorithms for Quantum Computation: Discrete Logarithms and Factoring
Grover, Lov K. (1996) A Fast Quantum Mechanical Algorithm for Database Search
Black Hat Conference Materials
DEF CON Conference Archives

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

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Futuristic quantum computer inside a high-tech security operations center with digital encryption codes and holographic displays, illustrating the impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity.
Ars Technica Newsarstechnica@c.im
2025-11-22

Cryptography group cancels election results after official loses secret key arstechni.ca/t3ky #internationalassociateforcryptologicalresearch #electionsystems #encryptionkeys #Security #Biz&IT #iacr

xoron :verified:xoron@infosec.exchange
2024-11-26

@kkarhan

thanks for the reply! far from being discouraged, i appriciate your engagement. i will try to be reasonably brief in my reponse to your points and give a general update on progress and objective.

> scout out existing solutions

i have seem similar #webapp implementation, i think so far for "that kind" of chat app, the chat app is able to demonstrate similar basic functionality. for a wider adoption, the user interface needs to be more appealing, but i think its important to have a working proof-of-concept first. the project is specifically aiming to be a #javascript #localFirst #webapp.

a couple notable similar implementation to mine are:
- github.com/cryptocat/cryptocat
- github.com/jeremyckahn/chitcha
(im sure there are many more, but i think my approach is yet different and unique to the ones i've come across.)

> DO NOT DIY ENCRYPTION!

this is indeed a reccomended practice i have seen several times. here is a previsous reddit post on the matter: reddit.com/r/cryptography/comm ... tldr; the underlying implementation provided by the browser is the best way to go. i have implemented the #encryption using the #webcrypto #api. i aim to not use a library for this.

i generally try to word things in a way that users can provide feedback on features. the app is still in a very early stage, but has a reasonable amount of features. im generally open to requests and questions.

> minimum viable product

what you see as the chat app is also the #minimum #viable #product. i think its sufficiently demonstrates the basic functionality of a chat app. i think the next step is to make the app more stable and user friendly.

those other apps youve mentions ive come across before. what sets my approach apart is that mine it's purely a webapp. with what id like to describe as #p2p #authentication over #webrtc, im able to remove reliance on a backend for #authenticate #data #connections. in some cases, bypass the internet (wifi/hotspot). while there are several ways to #selfhost, in this approach of a #javascript implementation, im able to store large amounts of data in the browser so things like images and #encryptionKeys can be #selfhosted" in the browser. while this form has nuanced limitations, it also has interesting implications to security and privacy.

there are many nice features from the different apps you mentioned and i think i have some unique features too. the bottle neck in this project is that i dont put in enough time to the app.

> feel free to slowly ibtegrate them.

this is basically already my approach to get the app to where it is now.

thanks for the luck, take care and i hope you stay tuned for updates.

🛡 H3lium@infosec.exchange/:~# :blinking_cursor:​H3liumb0y@infosec.exchange
2024-03-22

Unpatchable Vulnerability in Apple Chip Leaks Secret Encryption Keys

Date: 03/21/2024
CVE: Not provided in the source
Sources: Ars Technica

Issue Summary

A vulnerability found in Apple’s M-series chips allows attackers to extract secret encryption keys during common cryptographic operations. This flaw, rooted in the chips' microarchitecture, is deemed unpatchable and can only be mitigated by adjustments in third-party cryptographic software, potentially impacting performance. The vulnerability exposes keys through a side channel when a targeted operation and a malicious app with normal privileges run on the same CPU cluster.

Technical Key findings

The vulnerability exploits the data memory-dependent prefetcher (DMP) in the chips, which anticipates future memory needs to reduce latency. However, the DMP can misinterpret encryption key material as pointers, attempting memory access and leaking the data. Attackers can't directly access keys but can manipulate data to make intermediate encryption algorithm data resemble pointers, leading to key exposure through cache side channels.

Vulnerable products

  • Apple M-series chips, particularly M1 and M2 generations.

Impact assessment

Successful exploitation allows attackers to extract sensitive cryptographic keys, undermining the confidentiality and integrity of encrypted data. The broad application of cryptographic operations on vulnerable devices elevates the risk.

Patches or workaround

Direct patching of the hardware flaw is impossible due to its microarchitectural nature. Mitigation requires implementing defenses in cryptographic software, which may significantly affect the performance of cryptographic operations.

Tags

#Apple #M-series #EncryptionKeys #SideChannel #Vulnerability #CryptographicSoftware #PerformanceImpact

Dick Smiths Fair Go Supportersdsfgs@activism.openworlds.info
2021-03-23

> Has contract with "#USDefence".

> Must tell #China whatever the fuck he's told to.

See #Swiss encryption company exposed for giving faulty #encryptionKeys on behalf of the #USA. So a company doesn't even need to pretend to be #USBased nor #USLaw-abiding to be an arm.

Hands up if you ever for one second, thought an #internetConnected driving device would've worked?

#analog #drivingDevice #spying #Tesla #byeByeAutonomousVehicles #degrowthNowPlease #plannedDegrowth #gamesOver #degrowth

Dick Smiths Fair Go Supportersdsfgs@activism.openworlds.info
2021-03-23

> Has contract with "#USDefence"…

> Must tell #China whatever the fuck he's told to, right?

See #Swiss encryption company exposed for giving faulty #encryptionKeys on behalf of the #USA. A company doesn't even need to pretend to be #USBased to be a piece of crap.

Hands up if you ever for one second, thought that an #internetConnected driving device would've worked?

#analog #drivingDevice #spying #byeByeAutonomousVehicles #degrowthNowPlease #plannedDegrowth #gamesOver #degrowth

Dick Smiths Fair Go Supportersdsfgs@activism.openworlds.info
2020-09-23

@witchescauldron
(2/2)

Its deeply troubling that systems like Tor and i2p have existed for over a decade yet no one has had the guts to promote them strongly. We've had #netNeutrality destroyed, #dragNets built, #techGiants crush #independentMedia, and respected #certificateAuthorities exposed for issuing faulty #encryptionKeys...

What more do we honestly need!?

But when we try to suggest the alternative, many act like its too extreme. The #sleepwalking is real.

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