Quantum Computers Have Moved Closer to Breaking Bitcoin
Quantum computing has been one of those speculative concepts that people enjoy discussing but frequently set aside under the notion of “we’ll address that later.” However, that “later” might be approaching sooner than anticipated. The prospect that quantum computing attacks on Bitcoin could occur within the next decade is prompting some in the crypto asset community to reconsider safety measures. A recent advancement from Google’s Quantum AI team is igniting new worries about Bitcoin’s long-term protection, making the situation feel increasingly tangible.
What Google Discovered
Currently, the threats posed by quantum computing to Bitcoin are largely theoretical, but specialists suggest it’s time to start preparations. However, researchers at Google have been investigating how quantum computers may eventually compromise modern encryption standards. Their most recent results? It might not require nearly the same amount of quantum resources as previously believed. They have identified a method to break RSA-2048 encryption with a mere 20 times fewer quantum bits (qubits) than past models suggested.
Google’s quantum team found that cracking RSA encryption—used in Bitcoin wallets and banking—might need 20 times fewer qubits than had been thought. Researcher Craig Gidney mentioned a 2048-bit RSA key could be breached in under a week using fewer than 1 million noisy qubits,…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) May 27, 2025
At present, BTC does not utilize RSA encryption; however, it does depend on elliptic curve cryptography, which, similar to RSA, may become susceptible to future quantum threats. Should a sufficiently capable quantum computer execute the correct algorithm, such as Shor’s algorithm, it could theoretically reveal a Bitcoin user’s private key solely from the public data associated with a digital wallet.
Why This Is Significant for Bitcoin
Here’s the crux of the matter: if someone can ascertain your private key, they can transfer your coins. You don’t need to give it to them. They can simply take it. This is why discussions about something known as “Q-Day” are becoming prevalent—the moment quantum computers become sufficiently powerful to breach the encryption safeguarding our digital assets.
Predictions regarding when Q-Day may materialize differ, but numerous experts assert that we are likely within a 5 to 10-year timeframe. That’s not an imminent threat, but it’s certainly not “later” at this point.
This aligns with a caution issued by BlackRock, stating that if quantum computers achieve sufficient power, they could dismantle Bitcoin’s defenses and jeopardize users’ funds.
BlackRock Alerts: Quantum Technology Could Endanger Bitcoin Protection
BlackRock recently amended its BTC ETF application with a new clause emphasizing a significant risk: Quantum computers could eventually crack the cryptography that secures BTC and much of our digital ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/asgz8iXSOX
— Crypto Hub (@Cryptonichub) May 26, 2025
Such a situation could render existing encryption ineffective, permitting quantum-enabled attacks to reveal and empty BTC wallets.
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Are We at Risk Right Now?
Not at this moment. The type of quantum computers needed for such actions still aren’t operational, at least not at a level that poses an immediate danger. Nonetheless, Google’s findings indicate we might be closer than previously thought, implying that the crypto community cannot afford to dismiss it.
At this time, only wallets that have made their public key known are somewhat vulnerable, and most contemporary wallets are designed to prevent that. Yet, once a transaction occurs, the public key becomes exposed. Consequently, old, dormant addresses that haven’t conducted transactions in years could eventually turn into targets.
What Actions Are Being Taken?
Fortunately, efforts are already underway to find solutions. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is working on developing cryptographic algorithms that resist quantum computing, with some already under evaluation. Private entities like NordVPN have begun testing quantum-safe encryption for online traffic.
In the crypto asset realm, transitioning to post-quantum protection would represent a significant shift. It might necessitate a network split, meaning a revision of specific network protocols, which is not a lightly taken measure within the community. However, if the alternative is a rekt of confidence in Bitcoin’s protection, it is a discussion that needs to occur.
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Looking Forward
Quantum computing is not an urgent crisis, but it has transitioned from mere theory. Google’s recent findings serve as a reminder that technology advances rapidly, and the crypto sector must be prepared. If quantum computing Bitcoin attacks ever become feasible, it could result in compromised wallets and breached encryption throughout the platform. Regardless of whether Q-Day is five years or fifteen years away, work to safeguard BTC must commence immediately, not after the fact.
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Key Takeaways
- Google’s Quantum AI team has identified a technique to breach RSA-2048 encryption with 20 times fewer qubits, intensifying apprehensions regarding Bitcoin’s future safety.
- While BTC doesn’t employ RSA, its reliance on elliptic curve cryptography may still expose it to quantum threats similar to those that use Shor’s algorithm.
- The phrase “Q-Day” denotes the speculative point at which quantum computers possess the capability to breach Bitcoin wallets and misappropriate funds.
- Experts approximate that Q-Day could transpire within 5 to 10 years, which underscores the increasing urgency for quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions.
- Implementing post-quantum safety enhancements for BTC might require a hard fork; however, neglecting the threat could undermine the network’s enduring trust and safety.
The post Quantum Computers Just Got Closer to Cracking Bitcoin appeared first on 99Bitcoins.
