Researchers Detail Cat-Qubit RSA-2048 Factoring Needs
A new research paper quantifies the qubit counts and processing times required to challenge RSA-2048 encryption.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Researchers have published a new resource estimate for factoring RSA-2048 encryption using cat-qubit quantum architecture. This research-stage study details the specific qubit counts and processing times required for cryptographic operations.
Why it matters
The study quantifies the computational requirements for breaking standard encryption protocols, providing a clearer technical trajectory for the scalability of fault-tolerant quantum computers. By defining these parameters, researchers can better align hardware development with the algorithmic thresholds needed for cryptographic attacks.
Factoring RSA-2048 using the proposed architecture requires 22,593 cat qubits with a 1-microsecond error-correction cycle time and a 10-microsecond reaction time. The researchers also noted that adding a bit-flip error-correcting layer increases the required count to 45,000 cat qubits.
The players
Gidney
A researcher who previously published resource estimates for RSA-2048 factoring in 2025.
The details
The researchers designed a parity-Cnot gate, which facilitates logical operations between qubits while maintaining coherence. The team also adapted an adder circuit from a 2025 resource estimate to handle the specific arithmetic required for RSA-2048 factoring. This model assumes a circuit-level phase-flip noise probability of 5 multiplied by 10 to the power of negative 4.
Timeline
2025: Gidney published a resource estimate for RSA-2048 factoring.
October 28, 2026: The research paper detailing the cat-qubit requirements was published.
The Tech Race
This work refines the resource estimates established by the 2025 benchmark for RSA-2048 factoring. It specifically evaluates how the transition to cat-qubit architecture changes the hardware footprint for cryptographic algorithms.
The findings serve as a technical benchmark for researchers and cryptographers to assess the security of current encryption standards. No hardware currently exists to execute these operations, as the proposed architecture remains in the research phase.
The takeaway
This research quantifies the specific qubit overhead required to challenge existing RSA-2048 encryption standards. Observers should monitor future hardware roadmaps to see if error-correction cycle times can reach the 1-microsecond threshold identified here.
Further reading
For more on the development of fault-tolerant systems, visit our Quantum Computing section.
More information
Review the full academic research paper on cat qubits for detailed configuration data.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cryptology Eprint Archive.
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