At 7:00 PM 8/21/95, J. Kent Hastings wrote:
Doesn't quantum coherence require molecular precision if it is to work on 1024 bit PGP keys? If it works, such keys can be instantly factorized. It would be nice to follow that progress.
If human engineered molecular nano works, we'll have much more than PGP to worry about. Copies of copies of replicating disassemblers could rip the Earth apart in three days, assuming doubling every 20 minutes like bacteria, but not limited to proteins.
That would have a big impact on digital cash networks!
I urge all those interested in quantum computers to consult the CP archives. Also, my FAQ has a couple of pages on it. Grep for the main topic, or for Shor. This comes up every 3-4 months and produces the same speculations. I think nanotech and quantum computers have even less to do with real concerns than Waco and Foster do. --Tim May ---------:---------:---------:---------:---------:---------:---------:---- Timothy C. May | Crypto Anarchy: encryption, digital money, tcmay@got.net (Got net?) | anonymous networks, digital pseudonyms, zero 408-728-0152 | knowledge, reputations, information markets, Corralitos, CA | black markets, collapse of governments. Higher Power: 2^756839 | Public Key: PGP and MailSafe available. "National borders are just speed bumps on the information superhighway."