Quantum computers are currently experiencing a boom phase. To secure their development, Google wants to strengthen the protection of their encryption thanks to a double key encapsulation mechanism (KEM). The initiative aims to anticipate future vulnerabilities of its machines.
What is a quantum computer? In short, it is a computer whose entire operation is based on the principles of quantum mechanics. This allows it to perform complex calculations at a speed infinitely greater than that of a conventional computer. Quantum computing will find many uses in the future, and Google wants their encryption to be as strong as possible so that the information passing through it is fully secure.
A new, stronger cipher
Key encapsulation, also called KEM, is a cryptology mechanism that allows the transmission of a single-use key to an interlocutor. This has existed since the early 2000s, but Google wants to strengthen it by doubling this mechanism. Concretely, this consists of applying two layers of encapsulation to the same key, each based on a different algorithm. The compromise of a key by potential attackers is in this case much more complex.
Google will integrate this mechanism into the Chrome browser from version 116, available from today. Therefore, it will include support for X25519Kyber768. The name leaves something to be desired for the moment, it must be said that we have seen better! Behind it hides a combination of a security algorithm used to establish a secure TLS connection, and a KEM highly resistant to quantum attacks: Kyber-768.
Anticipating future quantum hacking threats
If this new encryption technology is deployed by Google, it is for very good reasons. Indeed, quantum computers are so powerful that they could allow ill-intentioned people to easily circumvent current encryption systems. Even if the threat is not currently relevant, it is better to prevent than to cure: the confidentiality of communications depends on it.
For the moment, quantum computers are used in very limited fields: scientific research, molecular simulation, finance or quantum cryptography. Their operation is very delicate to set up and supervise. Their cost is very high and the manipulation of qubits (quantum processing units) is extremely sensitive. They also claim specially designed software and algorithms to function normally. In short, it is not tomorrow the day before that you will have a quantum computer in the middle of your living room.
The quantum revolution is on its way, and Google is already taking the lead in keeping data secure online. Chrome will thus be the first browser to be equipped with a defense against a potential quantum attack. This initiative reflects the growing concern of tech giants in the face of rapid changes in the digital environment.
Source : The Register
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