Ok, thanks. But when I start hearing conspiracy theories that the NSA (or anyone) has already developed one, I should basically look for an encryption algorithm that isn't based on prime factorization?
Encryption algorithms exist and are being developed which are not based on prime factorization and for which no known quantum algorithm exists which can break them in polynomial time.
There will probably be significant warning before quantum computers exist which can break RSA. In that time it will probably become the norm to no longer use algorithms which are rendered obsolete by quantum computers.
Comments
Ok, thanks. But when I start hearing conspiracy theories that the NSA (or anyone) has already developed one, I should basically look for an encryption algorithm that isn't based on prime factorization?
Encryption algorithms exist and are being developed which are not based on prime factorization and for which no known quantum algorithm exists which can break them in polynomial time.
There will probably be significant warning before quantum computers exist which can break RSA. In that time it will probably become the norm to no longer use algorithms which are rendered obsolete by quantum computers.