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Project 11, an applied lab at the intersection of quantum computing and cryptography, has launched the Q-Day Prize, offering 1 Bitcoin (~$84,000) to the team that can break the largest elliptic curve cryptographic (ECC) key using Shor’s algorithm on a quantum computer.
“This is an open competition in quantum cryptanalysis. The mission: break the largest ECC key possible using Shor’s algorithm on a quantum computer. No classical shortcuts. No hybrid tricks. Pure quantum power.”
— Q-Day Prize Official Site
📅 Deadline: April 5, 2026
🔗 Website: qdayprize.org
You Should Know:
1. Understanding ECC & Shor’s Algorithm
- ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) is widely used in TLS, Bitcoin, SSH, and more.
- Shor’s Algorithm can factor large integers exponentially faster than classical computers, breaking RSA & ECC.
2. Simulating Shor’s Attack (Pre-Quantum Testing)
While full quantum execution is needed for the prize, you can simulate attacks using:
Python (Using Qiskit for Quantum Simulation):
from qiskit import QuantumCircuit, Aer, execute
from qiskit.algorithms import Shor
Simulate Shor's algorithm for factoring (small numbers)
n = 15 Example number to factor
shor = Shor(quantum_instance=Aer.get_backend('qasm_simulator'))
result = shor.factor(n)
print(f"Factors of {n}: {result.factors}")
3. Post-Quantum Readiness: Migrating from ECC
- NIST-Approved PQC Algorithms:
- CRYSTALS-Kyber (Key Encapsulation)
- CRYSTALS-Dilithium (Digital Signatures)
- OpenSSL Post-Quantum Testing:
openssl genpkey -algorithm dilithium3 -out pq_key.pem openssl pkeyutl -sign -in message.txt -out signature.sig -inkey pq_key.pem
4. Quantum-Safe Linux Commands
- Check ECC Certificates:
openssl x509 -in cert.pem -text -noout | grep "ASN1 OID: prime256v1"
- Generate Quantum-Resistant Keys (LibOQS):
openssl req -x509 -new -newkey kyber512 -keyout kyber.key -out kyber.crt -nodes
What Undercode Say:
The Q-Day Prize highlights the imminent threat quantum computing poses to classical cryptography. While breaking ECC at scale remains challenging, organizations must:
– Audit ECC dependencies (openssl list -public-key-algorithms).
– Test hybrid PQ solutions (e.g., OpenSSL + liboqs).
– Monitor NIST’s PQC standards (NIST PQC Project).
Key Commands for Sysadmins:
Check for ECC in SSH: ssh-keygen -l -f ~/.ssh/id_ecdsa Benchmark OpenSSL PQ algorithms: openssl speed kyber512
Expected Output:
A quantum-breakthrough in ECC would trigger:
- Massive PKI overhauls (e.g., replacing `secp256r1` with Kyber).
- Blockchain forks (Bitcoin’s ECDSA → Lamport Signatures).
- New Linux kernel modules for quantum-resistant TLS.
🔗 Further Reading:
Expected Output:
A detailed roadmap for post-quantum migration, validated by Q-Day Prize results, will redefine cybersecurity by 2026.
References:
Reported By: Quantum Universum – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
