Quantum computing's hidden figure: the engineer chasing the algorithm that could end encryption

Craig Gidney, a researcher at Google Quantum AI, is working on quantum circuits that could run Shor's algorithm, a procedure capable of breaking common encryption. His work is largely unknown outside quantum computing circles, but if successful, it could usher in powerful quantum computers while simultaneously undermining digital security. The potential event, known as Q-Day, would expose emails and bank accounts to decryption.