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Nobody knows if quantum secure cryptography will even work

Why upgrade if PQ signatures are not yet proven? The dirty secret of efforts to upgrade blockchains to post-quantum cryptography is that no one is sure if  any  of them work. None of the signatures being considered by major blockchains as quantum-resistant upgrades have been 100% proven to work. Until a quantum computer is invented, we won’t know for certain if they can successfully protect against an attack. Some may fall to an attack even before Q Day using existing computer technology. The National Institute of Standards and Technology tested 69 post-quantum candidate algorithms, and two of them — Rainbow and SIKE — were broken with classical computers during testing. The three digital signature schemes it recommends are its best guess as to which ones are most likely to survive a quantum attack. It selected the lattice-based CRYSTALS-Dilithium (ML-DSA) as the primary scheme, another lattice-based scheme called Falcon (FN-DSA) for use cases that demand smaller signatures an...
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The Evolution and Impact of Technology on Modern Society

 Technology has become an inseparable part of human existence, shaping the way we live, work, and interact. From the invention of the wheel to the rise of artificial intelligence, technological advancements have continuously redefined civilization. Today, technology permeates every sector, including healthcare, education, communication, and entertainment, driving progress while presenting new challenges.

Historical Milestones in Technology The journey of technology began with simple tools crafted by early humans to aid survival. The Agricultural Revolution (10,000 BCE) marked a shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming, introducing innovations like irrigation and plows. The Industrial Revolution (18th–19th centuries) mechanized production, with steam engines, railways, and factories transforming economies. The 20th century saw the rise of electricity, automobiles, and telecommunications, setting the stage for the digital age.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed exponential growth in computing power, leading to the internet, smartphones, and cloud computing. These innovations revolutionized information access, enabling instant global communication and reshaping industries.

Key Areas of Technological Advancement

1. Information Technology The internet has democratized knowledge, allowing real-time information exchange across borders. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have redefined communication, while e-commerce giants like Amazon have transformed retail. Cloud computing enables businesses to store and process vast amounts of data efficiently, fostering innovation in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

2. Healthcare Technology Medical advancements, such as robotic surgery, telemedicine, and personalized medicine, have improved patient outcomes. Wearable devices monitor health metrics in real time, while AI-driven diagnostics enhance early disease detection. Biotechnology, including CRISPR gene editing, holds promise for curing genetic disorders.

3. Transportation and Automation Electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies aim to reduce carbon emissions and improve road safety. Companies like Tesla and Waymo are pioneering self-driving cars, while drones and hyperloop systems could redefine logistics and travel.

4. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics AI applications range from virtual assistants (Siri, Alexa) to complex algorithms used in finance and cybersecurity. Robotics has automated manufacturing, reducing human error and increasing efficiency. However, concerns about job displacement and ethical implications persist.

The Societal Impact of Technology While it has brought convenience and efficiency, technology also presents challenges. The digital divide exacerbates inequality, as those without access to technology fall behind. Cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, and misinformation spread through social media are pressing issues. Additionally, automation threatens traditional jobs, necessitating workforce reskilling.

Environmental sustainability is another critical concern. While renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power reduce reliance on fossil fuels, electronic waste and energy-intensive data centers contribute to ecological strain.

The Future of Technology Emerging fields like quantum computing, nanotechnology, and brain-computer interfaces promise groundbreaking possibilities. Quantum computers could solve complex problems in seconds, while nanomedicine may enable targeted drug delivery. Ethical considerations, regulation, and equitable access will determine how these innovations shape humanity.

Technology’s trajectory remains unpredictable, but its influence is undeniable. Balancing innovation with responsibility will be crucial in ensuring that technological progress benefits all of society without widening disparities. As we navigate this digital era, thoughtful integration of technology will define the future of human civilization.

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Nobody knows if quantum secure cryptography will even work

Why upgrade if PQ signatures are not yet proven? The dirty secret of efforts to upgrade blockchains to post-quantum cryptography is that no one is sure if  any  of them work. None of the signatures being considered by major blockchains as quantum-resistant upgrades have been 100% proven to work. Until a quantum computer is invented, we won’t know for certain if they can successfully protect against an attack. Some may fall to an attack even before Q Day using existing computer technology. The National Institute of Standards and Technology tested 69 post-quantum candidate algorithms, and two of them — Rainbow and SIKE — were broken with classical computers during testing. The three digital signature schemes it recommends are its best guess as to which ones are most likely to survive a quantum attack. It selected the lattice-based CRYSTALS-Dilithium (ML-DSA) as the primary scheme, another lattice-based scheme called Falcon (FN-DSA) for use cases that demand smaller signatures an...
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