Bitcoin Is At Major Risk From This Single Factor And It’s Not As Far Away As You Think; Google
Google's Quantum AI team has issued a warning that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are more vulnerable to quantum computing attacks than previously thought. The security of these digital assets relies on elliptic curve cryptography (ECD-256), which was believed to require a quantum computer with millions of qubits to break. However, Google's optimized implementation of Shor’s algorithm suggests that only about 1,200–1,450 logical qubits and fewer than 500,000 physical qubits would be needed to compromise the system in minutes.
While the threat is not immediate, Google emphasizes that the risk is closer than many assume and recommends transitioning to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). The company is collaborating with entities like Coinbase, the Stanford Institute for Blockchain Research, and the Ethereum Foundation, targeting a 2029 migration timeline. However, upgrading decentralized networks like Bitcoin will require broad consensus and complex protocol changes, posing significant implementation challenges. The crypto industry is urged to begin preparations to mitigate this emerging quantum risk.
bitcoinist04/03 01:01