Google's recent announcement of its breakthrough quantum chip, Willow, has sparked concerns about the potential to break modern cryptography. However, the company's director of quantum, Charina Chou, has reassured that the chip is not capable of breaking modern encryption systems.

The Willow chip has been touted as a significant achievement in quantum computing, with the ability to solve a complex computing challenge in just five minutes that would take the world's fastest supercomputer ten septillion years. However, Chou emphasized that the chip's computing power, equivalent to 105 physical qubits, is far from the millions required to break RSA encryption.

The threat of quantum computers breaking modern cryptography is a pressing concern, with the potential to jeopardize civilian and military communications, critical infrastructure, and online financial transactions. The White House has warned that a "cryptanalytically relevant quantum computer" (CRQC) could have devastating consequences and has ordered US agencies to transition to new systems by 2035.

Despite Chinese researchers' claims to have discovered ways to break RSA encryption with smaller quantum computers, security experts remain skeptical. Google, along with other companies, is working to develop post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to defend against the potential threat of broken encryption.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been leading the charge in developing quantum-safe cryptography standards, with three finalized algorithms released in August. The organization plans to select one or two more by the end of the year. The RAND Corporation has warned that the moment an RSA-breaking quantum computer exists, it will trigger a worldwide rush to defend against it.

Google's assurance that the Willow chip is not a CRQC comes as a relief, but the company's commitment to developing PQC highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in the face of emerging quantum computing threats. As the quantum computing landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that the race to develop secure cryptography standards will be a critical aspect of maintaining online security.

In the meantime, companies and organizations must remain proactive in preparing for the potential threat of broken encryption. With the likes of Google, Apple, and others working to develop PQC, the hope is that the transition to quantum-safe systems will be a smooth one. However, the stakes are high, and the need for continued innovation and cooperation in the field of cybersecurity has never been more pressing.