There’s an exciting development in quantum cryptanalysis with the introduction of the Jesse-Victor-Gharabaghi (JVG) quantum decryption algorithm. This new algorithm is faster and requires fewer quantum resources than the well-known Shor’s algorithm.
For years, the combination of quantum computers and Shor’s algorithm has been seen as a looming threat to the security of systems using Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). Shor’s method requires a substantial quantum computer, estimated to need about one million qubits, which is expected to be at least a decade away from realization.
This time gap has given the industry a sense of urgency to replace existing cryptographic systems with the post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards recommended by NIST. This upgrade is crucial because both state-sponsored and criminal groups are currently stealing and hoarding data with the intention to decrypt it in the future, often referred to as "harvest now, decrypt later." However, decryption might become feasible sooner than anticipated.
The JVG algorithm dramatically changes the timeline for when this might happen. On March 2, 2026, the Advanced Quantum Technologies Institute (AQTI) announced that JVG requires significantly fewer quantum resources, such as qubits and quantum gates. Research indicates that it may need fewer than 5,000 qubits to break the encryption methods used in RSA and ECC.
According to a research paper by Professor Jesse Van Griensven, "Projection for RSA-2048 shows that the JVG algorithm significantly outperforms Shor’s approach, with a projected quantum runtime of 11 hours for factorization under similar assumptions. The findings suggest that JVG is a more hardware-compatible and robust noise-tolerant alternative to Shor’s framework."
Van Griensven is one of the primary authors of the JVG algorithm, alongside Victor Oliveira Santos and Bahram Gharabaghi. "Jesse Van Griensven has developed an incredible algorithm that will transform everything we understand about cybersecurity," comments Nir Ben-David, founder and CEO of Qombat Ltd.
The JVG algorithm takes a different path compared to Shor’s. Both algorithms are hybrids, using classical computers for certain tasks and quantum computing where necessary. However, JVG offloads more work to classical computing than Shor’s does. For example, while Shor uses quantum computing for modular exponentiation, JVG uses classical computing for this task.
Both algorithms utilize quantum computing for frequency analysis. Shor uses quantum fourier transform (QFT) for this, whereas JVG employs the quantum number theoretic transform (QNTT), which is more noise-tolerant and requires fewer qubits. JVG aims to lessen the quantum load while enhancing its efficiency.
The research paper notes, "Compared to the full Shor factoring pipeline for the same instances, the total quantum gate count is reduced by more than 99% in the JVG approach."
It is important to remember that Shor’s algorithm has been extensively tested and analyzed, whereas JVG is still new and not as thoroughly examined. Comparing these algorithms can be like comparing apples and oranges, so the current findings should be seen as preliminary claims.
Although these claims may not be fully accurate, it’s wise to act cautiously. This means accelerating the shift to PQC. The best way to ensure security is through crypto-agility, which is the ability to update cryptographic methods without overhauling entire systems, along with the early adoption of quantum-resistant standards across networks, devices, and software supply chains.
Three steps are crucial. First, identify where public-key systems are used, as they are widespread. Second, demand clear post-quantum roadmaps from vendors and service providers, especially for products with long replacement cycles. Third, implement crypto-agile designs to enable the deployment of new PQC as needed.
Van Griensven adds, "The takeaway from JVG is that the timeline is speeding up, not only due to hardware advancements but also because algorithms are improving. Therefore, post-quantum upgrades should be prioritized as urgent infrastructure work."
