The Quantum Bombe Machine

The Bombe machine (Turing’s mousetrap thingy) was purpose-built to do one thing: crack messages encrypted by the German Enigma encryption machine. We are building Bombe machines again; they are called quantum computers.

The entire practical case for quantum computing rests on a single algorithm: Shor’s. It breaks RSA encryption by factoring large integers exponentially faster than any classical method. The “general purpose quantum computer” is simply a funding narrative. They have no other practical application where they show even hypothetical cost AND performance benefits over digital computers.

Now, the window of opportunity is already closing: post-quantum encryption migration has begun. Once that’s done, the strategic rationale for quantum computers evaporates.

The irony is that post-quantum encryption only exists because of the perceived threat of quantum computers cracking RSA. But because of post-quantum encryption, cryptographically relevant quantum computing will never be needed. The deeper irony is that it was probably never going to happen anyway – it’s too hard – which means there was no real need for post-quantum encryption in the first place.

How long before they all realise they are up Boondoggle Creek without a paddle? At the end of the day, someone’s brain fart ends up being a corporate stupidity tax.