ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ

Technology

A classic hacking technique works on some quantum computers

Two independent research teams have developed methods for hacking noisy quantum computers based on a row-hammer attack, a type of interference used to infiltrate traditional computers

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

17 April 2025 Last updated 17 April 2025

A quantum computer at IBM

IBM

The laws of quantum mechanics make it impossible to copy quantum information, but that doesn’t mean quantum computers are unhackable. Two independent teams of researchers have now devised methods for disrupting calculations on quantum computers. They both rely a method used to hack traditional computers called a row-hammer attack.

Conventional row-hammer attacks target dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), a type of RAM that is essential for short-term information storage in conventional computers. They take advantage of unintended electrical interactions between parts of DRAM…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop