Simulating Shor's Algorithm with QuantumRings and the Emerging Threats to RSA Encryption in the Quantum Era

Shafeeq Rahman Thottoli, Musfar Muhamed Kozhikkal

Abstract: Quantum computing has raised significant concerns regarding the security of classical cryptographic systems, particularly RSA, as it depends on the computational difficulty of factoring large semiprime numbers. In this study, we demonstrate the practical application of Shor's algorithm by successfully factorizing a semiprime integer, up to 30 bits (857830637 = 29167 X 29411) using the QuantumRings simulator. Our work highlights the effectiveness of Shor's algorithm in solving the factorization problem in polynomial time, which will significantly improve over the classical method for a large number. The results suggest that with advances in quantum hardware, such as increasing qubit counts and improving error correction, breaking larger RSA keys (e.g., RSA-2048) may soon become feasible. This seriously threatens current cryptographic systems, emphasizing the need to adopt post-quantum cryptography. Our findings aim to raise awareness among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders of the importance of preparing for a quantum-safe future.

Keywords: Quantum computing, Shor's algorithm, RSA encryption, post-quantum cryptography, QuantumRings