Quantum computers: What security threats do they pose to your everyday life? (Gmail, storage, cloud, messages, calls, HTTPS, Wi-Fi, money transfers, Bitcoin,…)

Tags: quantum

Do you frequently send emails, transfer money online, or store data in the cloud? If so, you may be using security systems that are vulnerable to attack by quantum computers. This article will help you understand this potential threat and the solutions that can help you protect your personal data.

Quantum computing is an emerging technology with processing power far exceeding that of conventional computers. It can solve complex problems in a short amount of time, and this capability can break current encryption systems, compromising the security of your personal and financial data.

So, what kind of security threats can quantum computers pose to your everyday life? (Email, Gmail, storage, cloud, messages, calls, HTTP, HTTPS, SSL, Wi-Fi networks, money transfers, crypto, Bitcoin,…)

1. Email security:

Gmail: Gmail uses AES-256 encryption to protect your information. However, AES-128 can be broken by quantum computers. (Besides Gmail, other Google services are also encrypted with AES-256.)

Yahoo Mail, Outlook…: These popular email services often use RSA encryption to protect your information. Quantum computers are capable of breaking RSA, meaning they can read your email content.

Regular email: No matter how you send your email, if it is not end-to-end encrypted, quantum computers can attack and read your email content.

2. Storage and cloud security:

Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive…: Cloud storage services often use AES-256 encryption to protect your data. However, AES-128 can be broken by quantum computers.

Personal data storage: If you store sensitive data on your mobile devices or personal computers, they are also at risk of being attacked by quantum computers.

3. Message and call security:

WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram…: These messaging apps often use end-to-end encryption. Signal Protocol uses AES-256 to encrypt messages, voice calls, and video calls.

Facebook Messenger: Facebook Messenger uses AES-256-CBC to encrypt messages in “Secret Conversations” mode.

4. HTTPS, SSL security:

HTTPS, SSL: The HTTPS and SSL protocols are used to secure internet connections, such as when you shop online or access banking websites. SSL uses AES-256 to encrypt data transmitted. Quantum computers may find it difficult to break AES-256.

5. Wi-Fi network security:

WPA2, WPA3: Current Wi-Fi security standards like WPA2 and WPA3 use AES to encrypt the signal. Quantum computers can break WPA2, but WPA3 is considered more secure.

Public networks: If you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you should use a VPN to protect your data. Quantum computers can easily eavesdrop on data transmitted over unencrypted Wi-Fi networks.

6. Personal data security:

Passwords: Quantum computers can break password hashing algorithms, allowing them to steal your account information.

Personal information: Any personal information stored on your computer, phone, or other devices can be attacked by quantum computers.

7. Bitcoin and cryptocurrency security:

Bitcoin: Bitcoin uses SHA-256 to secure transactions. Currently, quantum computers cannot break SHA-256. However, experts are working to protect Bitcoin from potential quantum computer attacks.

Summary Table: Vulnerability of Common Everyday Security to Quantum Computer Attacks

Security Type	Current Encryption Algorithm	Quantum Computer Attack Possible?	Potential Solutions
Email	RSA, AES-128/256 (Gmail), Unencrypted	RSA: Yes; AES-128: Yes; AES-256: Possibly, but difficult; Unencrypted: Easy	End-to-end encryption, use quantum-resistant algorithms
Storage and Cloud	AES-128/256 (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)	AES-128: Yes; AES-256: Possibly, but difficult	Use AES-256, upgrade encryption algorithms, use post-quantum encryption
Messages and Calls	AES-256 (Signal Protocol), AES-256-CBC (Facebook Messenger)	AES-256: Possibly, but difficult	Upgrade Signal Protocol, use post-quantum encryption
HTTPS, SSL	AES-256	AES-256: Possibly, but difficult	Use post-quantum encryption
Wi-Fi Network	AES (WPA2/WPA3)	WPA2: Yes; WPA3: Possibly, but difficult	Use WPA3, connect VPN, use private network
Personal Data	Password hashing algorithms	Yes	Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, encrypt personal data
Bitcoin, Crypto	SHA-256	SHA-256: Difficult to break	Use post-quantum encryption, enhance Bitcoin security

Note:

The above table is illustrative and subject to change over time.

Current quantum computers are not powerful enough to break all encryption algorithms.

Researchers and technology companies are actively developing new security solutions to protect our data from the threat of quantum computers.

How to Protect Yourself from Quantum Computers?

• Use strong encryption: Choose services that use end-to-end encryption and encryption algorithms considered quantum-resistant.
• Update software: Update your software regularly to protect your device from security vulnerabilities.
• Use VPN: Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection, protecting your data from eavesdropping.
• Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication helps protect your accounts from unauthorized access.
• Stay informed about quantum security: Keep up-to-date on quantum security information to better protect yourself and your data.

Conclusion

Quantum computing is a promising new technology, but it also presents significant security challenges. Protecting your data from quantum computers is your responsibility, and it requires the attention of both individuals and organizations.

Raise awareness about this issue and take the necessary security measures to protect your digital life!