Mathematics Professor: Public key cryptosystems should be replaced by corresponding systems that can withstand quantum attacks

ChainCatcher news, according to Cointelegraph, Professor Massimiliano Sala from the University of Trento in Italy recently discussed the future of blockchain with the Ripple team, particularly the potential threat of quantum computing to cryptographic technologies. Professor Sala emphasized that the maturity of quantum computing technology could pose a serious threat to existing cryptographic methods, thereby bringing risks to the entire blockchain technology system. He pointed out that quantum computers will be able to easily solve the fundamental problems of digital signatures, undermining the security mechanisms that protect user assets on blockchain platforms. He proposed the concept of "Q Day," which refers to the moment when quantum computers become powerful enough and accessible enough for malicious actors to break traditional cryptographic methods.

While this will have far-reaching implications for any field where data security is critical—including emergency services, infrastructure, banking, and defense—it could theoretically destroy the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Sala suggested that to address this potential risk, all traditional public key cryptosystems should be replaced with corresponding systems that can withstand quantum attacks. Although practical quantum computers capable of performing such operations have not yet emerged, governments and research institutions around the world are already preparing for the arrival of Q Day. Professor Sala expressed satisfaction with the progress in the field of quantum computing and recommended that blockchain developers maintain close collaboration with cryptographic experts who understand modern systems' quantum protection standards and innovations to face this challenge together.