The concept of 'crypto-apocalypse' refers to the moment when quantum computers become powerful enough to break the cryptographic algorithms underpinning global digital security. According to recent research, including a report from Google, this threat is no longer hypothetical or distant but strategic and urgent.
Modern cryptography relies heavily on mathematical problems that are extremely difficult for classical computers to solve. However, quantum computers operate under entirely different principles, allowing them to solve certain problems exponentially faster. The key algorithm in this context is Shor's algorithm, which can factor large numbers and solve discrete logarithm problems.