Andrew Yang Policy on QUANTUM COMPUTING AND ENCRYPTION STANDARDS

[Sherman A1]

Our current AES-based encryption standards are very secure from attacks using transistor-based computers that store information in bits. It would take an inordinate amount of time to break that encryption.

However, quantum computers, using qubits, will theoretically be able to perform the calculations necessary to break our current encryptions standards in under a day. When that happens, all of our encrypted data will be vulnerable. That means our businesses, communications channels, and banking and national security systems may be accessible.

Other nations are investing heavily in quantum computing technology while simultaneously using their signal intelligence capabilities to collect and store as much encrypted data as possible. While it’s useless to them now, it will become invaluable once they create a functioning quantum computer at a certain power level. Some estimates put the timeline for this at a decade or less.

In short, this is a problem that has to be fixed now. Two things must be done.

First, and immediately, we need to invest in and develop new encryption standards and systems, and immediately shift to using these quantum computing-resistant standards to protect our most sensitive data. This won’t be easy or cheap, but it is necessary.

Second, we must heavily invest in quantum computing technology so that we develop our own systems ahead of our geopolitical rivals.

https://www.yang2020.com/policies/quantum-computing/

[uawchild]

1. woah

Good policy initiative by Yang!

"Other nations are investing heavily in quantum computing technology while simultaneously using their signal intelligence capabilities to collect and store as much encrypted data as possible. While it’s useless to them now, it will become invaluable once they create a functioning quantum computer at a certain power level. Some estimates put the timeline for this at a decade or less."

I have a strong suspicion the timeline is going to be less than a decade for sure.

[mopinko]

2. god our debates are gonna be great.

i just keep saying that. nerdgasms await. i'm so excited.

[calimary]

7. That's okay with me. I like nerds.

I’m one, myself.

I even married one!

[ancianita]

3. No other candidates are knowledgeable enough to say anything but endorse his view of this issue.

Way to go, Yang!

[eggplant]

4. This is not a new fear. People have been working on it for 15 years.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-quantum_cryptography

It is good to see this talked about, but mitigations already exist for newly encrypted information, and as for stuff that's already been hoovered up, that horse has already left the barn.

[Uncle Joe]

5. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread Sherman.

[Stonepounder]

6. Unfortunately, the vast majority of folks won't have a clue what he is talking about.

I agree with him 100%+ our cyber security here in the US sucks. We need a crash program to develop cyber security that actually works. And the idea of quantum computing technology that could, theoretically break into any of our computers that are connected to the internet is terrifying.

But, remember that tRump pulled money from defense appropriations for work on cyber security to build a new aircraft carrier that the Navy didn't ask for.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

8. A Qubit race. (Down, QAnon fans, down!) I think this perspective has merit. . . . nt