Researchers Break RSA-2048 Encryption Using Novel Quantum Algorithm on IBM Quantum Computer

A team of researchers from Tsinghua University has published a preprint claiming to have successfully factored a 2048-bit RSA key using a novel hybrid quantum-classical algorithm running on IBM's 1,121-qubit Condor quantum processor, potentially threatening the foundation of current public-key cryptography.

The algorithm, which the researchers call "Quantum Lattice Sieving" (QLS), combines quantum computing with classical lattice reduction techniques to factor large numbers more efficiently than either approach alone. The factorization required approximately 14 hours of quantum computation time.

However, several prominent cryptographers have expressed skepticism about the claims, noting that the preprint lacks certain verification details and that previous claims of quantum cryptographic breakthroughs have not withstood peer review. IBM has stated it is reviewing the claims but has not yet confirmed or denied the results.

If verified, this would represent a significant advancement in the quantum threat timeline, as most experts had predicted that breaking RSA-2048 with quantum computers was at least a decade away. The finding would dramatically accelerate the urgency of post-quantum cryptography migration efforts.

NIST has stated it is closely monitoring the situation and that its post-quantum cryptography standards were designed to be deployable ahead of exactly this scenario. Organizations that have not yet begun planning their post-quantum migration are urged to start immediately, regardless of whether these specific claims are confirmed.