David Bombal

#512: All Encryption Hacked in 3 Years?

9 snips
Sep 15, 2025
Guest
Occupy The Web (OTW)
Occupy The Web, a cybersecurity expert and author known for his insights into Linux, hacking, and encryption, joins the discussion. He warns that quantum computing could break current encryption methods like RSA within three years. The conversation covers the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography, the risks associated with client-side scanning, and nation-states' strategies to exploit vulnerabilities. They also touch on ethical dilemmas concerning AI on personal devices and privacy, making this a crucial listen for anyone concerned about data security.
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INSIGHT

Asymmetric Crypto Is The Weak Link

  • Quantum computers will break asymmetric cryptography like RSA and ECC, threatening the key-exchange foundations of TLS and VPNs.
  • OTW predicts a nation-state hybrid quantum system could arrive within about three years and expose vast amounts of encrypted data.
INSIGHT

Key Exchange Exposure Equals Data Exposure

  • Asymmetric cryptography is primarily used to exchange symmetric keys, so breaking it exposes session keys and content.
  • Quantum machines run Shor's algorithm which can rapidly solve those asymmetric problems and reveal exchanged keys.
INSIGHT

States Harvest Encrypted Data For Later Decryption

  • Nation-states already collect encrypted traffic now for 'store now, decrypt later' when quantum capability arrives.
  • That harvesting makes both past and future privacy at risk once decryption becomes feasible.
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