Joe silverman

Title:  How Quantum Computers Might Destroy the Internet, and What Mathematicians Are Doing About It!  

Time:  Friday,  4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Abstract: Secure communications and internet transactions rely on classical public key cryptography, which in turn relies on algorithms that are susceptible to attack using quantum computers. When will these quantum computers be built? The answer is unknown but estimates tend to be in the 10 to 30 year range. In this talk I'll compare and contrast some of the quantum insecure classical algorithms with quantum secure(?) lattice-based algorithms that will soon replace them. Along the way we'll briefly visit the early days of public key cryptography, I'll share some personal anecdotes about the ups and downs of inventing and monetizing(?) a new cryptosystem, and I'll discuss how academia, business, and government have teamed up to usher in an age of quantum secure cryptography.

Bio:  Joseph Silverman is a Professor of Mathematics at Brown University and works primarily in number theory, arithmetic dynamics, and cryptography. He is the author of numerous undergraduate and graduate textbooks, with his two books on elliptic curves winning the AMS Steele Prize for Mathematical Exposition in 1998. He received an MAA Lester Ford Award in 1994 and the NES MAA Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2011. He has served on the Council and Executive Committee of the AMS and is currently chair of the AMS Board of Trustees. Joe loves talking about mathematics at all levels, ranging from an invited address at the 2022 International Congress of Mathematics to talks at research conferences to a mini-course at the 2022 PCMI summer school to math activities for his children's and grandchildren's elementary school classes.