NSA building quantum computer to crack any encryption codes

The National Security Agency (NSA) has been working on a quantum computer that would enable it to crack almost any encryption code as part of its wide-ranging surveillance operations.
The Washington Post revealed the information based on documents handed over by whistle blower Edward Snowden, claiming that the work is being carried out under a programme called ‘Penetrating Hard Targets’.
The work is being carried out in Maryland, as part of an $80m research project that would give the US government a massive advance in the field of quantum computing.
Quantum computing is based on the notion that data is held in two states at once – as ones and zeroes – so it can perform multiple calculations simultaneously. This could create computers with huge power, able to crack even the toughest encryption codes.
As such, the value of this technology to an agency like the NSA would be enormous. However, even with its clout and vast budget it is likely to find the task a huge challenge, given the complexity of quantum computing.
This was a point made by Scott Aaronson, an associate professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, when speaking to the Post.
“It seems improbable that the NSA could be that far ahead of the open world without anybody knowing it,” he said.
However, despite the difficulties it poses, quantum technology is growing in understanding, with the world record for how long data can be held in a quantum state rising to 39 minutes last November.
The University of Bristol, meanwhile, currently offers its own cloud-based quantum computer, open to anybody who wishes to conduct their own experiments.
Based on these examples, the NSA could well be making good progress with its project, although it has not made any statement relating to the revelations.