Technology

Google quantum-proofs HTTPS by squeezing 2.5kB of data into 64-byte space

Source

Ars Technica

Published

Feb 28, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

Google is working on quantum-proofing HTTPS certificates in Chrome by compressing 2.5kB of data into a 64-byte space to protect against quantum computer attacks. The challenge lies in maintaining security without slowing down internet connections. To address this, companies are exploring the use of Merkle Trees, a data structure that allows for efficient verification of large amounts of information using minimal material. This approach aims to replace traditional PKI processes with more compact and secure Merkle Tree Certificates.

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In a first, a ransomware family is confirmed to be quantum-safe

A new ransomware family named Kyber claims to be quantum-safe by using ML-KEM encryption, a post-quantum cryptography standard. This encryption method is designed to be resistant to attacks by quantum computers, unlike traditional methods like Elliptic Curve and RSA. Security firm Rapid7 confirmed that Kyber uses the highest strength version of ML-KEM to encrypt victims' data with AES-256, making it the first known case of ransomware utilizing post-quantum cryptography. This development highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals to enhance the security of their malicious activities.

Ars Technica•

1 week ago

Mis-issued certificates for 1.1.1.1 DNS service pose a threat to the Internet

Security concerns have arisen due to the issuance of three TLS certificates for Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS service, potentially allowing decryption of domain lookup queries encrypted through DNS over HTTPS. These certificates, issued in May, could impact services like Cloudflare's WARP VPN. The certificates were brought to public attention recently and were issued by Fina RDC 2020, a subordinate of Fina Root CA, trusted by the Microsoft Root Certificate Program. Microsoft Edge, used by around 5% of internet browsers, is affected by this issue.

Ars Technica•

8 months ago

Dr. L.C. Lu on TSMC Advanced Technology Design Solutions

Dr. L.C. Lu, a key figure at TSMC, focuses on design-technology co-optimization, packaging innovations, and AI-driven methodologies for next-gen semiconductor systems. TSMC emphasizes DTCO and DDCL innovations for scaling from N5 to A14 nodes, with NanoFlex and NanoFlex Pro architectures offering efficiency gains. N2P and N2U nodes incorporate advanced DTCO and power delivery optimizations, with hybrid dual-rail architectures achieving significant energy savings. TSMC collaborates with EDA partners for AI integration, enhancing productivity and design quality. Advanced packaging technologies like CoWoS and SoIC play a crucial role in enabling AI scaling, with memory bandwidth and interconnect performance scaling aggressively. TSMC addresses power delivery and thermal management challenges in AI systems through advanced solutions. TSMC's advancements in design methodologies and AI-driven automation promise improved productivity and scalability in chip-package co-design.

SemiWiki•

3 hours ago

MindsEye's sabotage mission is being slammed as dull and pointless

Build A Rocket Boy accuses individuals of sabotaging MindsEye's launch, spending over €1 million on damaging efforts. The studio integrates the controversy into a new in-game mission, Blacklist, to showcase evidence of sabotage to players. However, reports describe the mission as lackluster and failing to deliver a compelling narrative. Critics attribute the launch issues to internal problems, such as management and design decisions, casting doubt on the sabotage claims. The saga continues as MindsEye's post-launch turmoil unfolds.

TweakTown•

4 hours ago