THE CRYPTOGRAPHIC VULNERABILITIES: REIMAGINING GLOBAL CYBERSECURITY FRAMEWORKS IN THE ERA OF QUANTUM COMPUTING

Abstrak

The imminent maturation of quantum computing technologies presents an unprecedented paradigm shift in global information security. While traditional computational systems rely on binary architecture to solve mathematical problems, quantum computers leverage the principles of quantum mechanics—specifically superposition and entanglement—to process complex datasets at exponential speeds. This technological leap poses a catastrophic threat to contemporary cryptographic protocols, such as RSA and ECC, which secure the global digital infrastructure, financial networks, and state intelligence systems. This article critically examines the vulnerabilities of existing public-key encryption frameworks against quantum-enabled attacks, particularly through the application of Shor’s algorithm. Furthermore, it outlines the global strategic transition toward Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), evaluates the challenges of implementing quantum-resistant mathematical lattices, analyzes the threat to decentralized networks, and explores the role of quantum physical defenses to safeguard the digital ecosystem of the 21st century