Both proposals warn of the threat posed to information security by advancements in the field of quantum computing. A future large-scale quantum computer could use Shor’s algorithm to compromise the security of widely deployed public-key-based algorithms. Such algorithms are used by the Java platform for activities such as digitally signing JAR (Java archive) files and establishing secure network connections. An attack could be accomplished by a quantum computer using Shor’s algorithm in hours. Cryptographers have responded to this threat by inventing quantum-resistant algorithms that cannot be defeated by Shor’s algorithm. Switching to quantum-resistant algorithms is urgent, even if large-scale quantum computers do not yet exist.
Each of the two proposals is eyed for the Standard Edition of Java, but neither is targeted for a specific version at this point. Both proposals were created August 26 and updated November 6.