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Quantum Computers Could Break Bitcoin — Here’s What Experts Are Not Telling You
A Crypto Crisis on the Horizon? For over a decade, Bitcoin has been hailed as the most secure digital currency in the world. Protected by cryptographic algorithms and supported by a decentralized network, Bitcoin has resisted hacks, government bans, and financial crashes. But there's a new threat looming on the horizon — quantum computing. This revolutionary technology, which promises to outperform classical computers by unimaginable margins, could one day break the cryptography that underpins Bitcoin itself. And while some in the crypto space brush it off as a “distant future problem,” quantum breakthroughs are happening faster than most people realize.
5/8/20242 min leer
What Is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computers don’t work like traditional computers. Instead of using bits (0s and 1s), they use qubits, which can represent multiple states simultaneously thanks to superposition and entanglement. This enables them to perform calculations exponentially faster than conventional processors.
Companies like Google, IBM, and D-Wave are investing billions in quantum research, and quantum processors are already solving problems that were previously out of reach. As this field matures, the concern is that quantum machines could eventually crack the SHA-256 encryption that secures Bitcoin wallets and transactions.
How Quantum Computers Threaten Bitcoin Security
Bitcoin relies heavily on cryptographic functions:
ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) to sign transactions
SHA-256 hashing to secure the blockchain
Quantum computers pose a threat to both:
ECDSA can be broken using Shor’s Algorithm, a quantum algorithm that can efficiently solve the discrete logarithm problem, which underpins Bitcoin's private key security.
SHA-256 is more resistant, but Grover’s Algorithm still gives quantum systems a quadratic speed-up for brute-force attacks.
This means that with a powerful enough quantum computer, hackers could derive private keys from public wallet addresses, steal coins, or even disrupt transaction verification on the blockchain.
How Close Are We to a Quantum Threat?
Many experts estimate that it will take around 10–20 years before we see quantum computers capable of threatening Bitcoin’s infrastructure. However, some researchers argue it could happen sooner — especially with the rapid pace of development and potential classified advancements from governments or corporations.
Recent announcements like IBM’s 1,121-qubit Condor processor, and Google's milestone in quantum supremacy, show that the foundation is already being laid.
Can Bitcoin Survive the Quantum Era?
Yes — but only if it adapts.
The Bitcoin community is already discussing post-quantum cryptography, including:
Switching to quantum-resistant signature schemes like Lattice-based cryptography.
Creating hard forks or protocol upgrades to replace vulnerable algorithms.
Using quantum-safe wallets that hide public keys until after a transaction is made.
The key challenge? Bitcoin is decentralized. Changes require network-wide consensus, and implementing these solutions before the threat becomes real is easier said than done.
What This Means for Investors
If you’re a crypto investor, here are three actions you should consider:
Stay informed about quantum developments.
Diversify your portfolio with assets not solely dependent on ECDSA.
Use best practices, like generating a new wallet address after each transaction.
While a quantum attack on Bitcoin is not imminent, ignoring the risk could lead to massive losses in the future.
Conclusion: Prepare, Don’t Panic
Quantum computing has the potential to change the world — including the world of crypto. The idea that Bitcoin could one day be broken may sound like science fiction, but the science is real and advancing fast.
Rather than fear it, the crypto community should act now to future-proof the blockchain. Because those who adapt early will not only protect their investments — they’ll lead the next evolution of digital finance.