Why Haven’t Quantum Computers Factored 21 Yet?

Started by ergophobe, March 13, 2026, 11:50:55 PM

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ergophobe

Answer: number of quantum gates grows exponentially, "allowing QCs [quantum computers] to factor 15 in 2001 with a total of 21 two-qubit entangling gates. Extrapolating from the used circuit, factoring 21 would require 2,405 gates, or 115 times more."

https://hackaday.com/2026/02/09/why-havent-quantum-computers-factored-21-yet/

Implication: no, your 1024-bit encryption is not going to utterly break tomorrow. At least not because of quantum computing

ergophobe