According to the latest research announced by Google’s Quantum Artificial Intelligence team, the cryptographic systems used to secure Bitcoin can be broken with much less quantum computing power than traditional predictions. In the white paper published by the team, attention was drawn to the vulnerability of large cryptocurrency networks such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Potential threats of quantum technology
Google researchers evaluate that quantum computers that threaten the security of Bitcoin may become effective earlier than expected. Although Bitcoin, which is strengthened by advanced privacy technologies such as Taproot, is thought to provide some advantages, it has been pointed out that the mentioned vulnerabilities may increase the risk of attack.
In the research, it was stated that less than 500 thousand physical qubits, not millions of them as expected, may be sufficient to break the encryption systems used by Bitcoin and Ethereum. Google developed two possible methods for quantum attacks and stated that approximately 1,200 to 1,450 high-quality qubits could be sufficient for both scenarios. This rate is considerably lower than previous predictions.
The general logic of quantum computers is based on new units called “qubits”, unlike the bits used by classical computers. In this way, much faster and parallel calculations can be made. During a transfer on the Bitcoin network, the sender’s public key is visible for a short time, and a quantum computer that can access this information can obtain the private key and attack the network.
Effects of the quantum age in the crypto world
In the statements made about the quantum computer Willow developed by Google, it was reported that it is planned to transition to post-quantum security in authentication services by 2029. Research reveals that this transition may occur faster than expected.
Large ecosystems, including Bitcoin, take different approaches to possible quantum threats. While discussions about technical innovations in networks such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana continue, differences in cautious and progressive strategies emerge among communities.
The effects of the quantum age are not limited to security. The technology in question; It is emphasized that new measures and technical updates are required in many areas, from crypto wallets to blockchain-based payment systems.
Technology giants such as IBM also state that quantum machines can complete mathematical operations in seconds that would require thousands of years to be solved by the most powerful supercomputers used today.
Not only old wallets, but also security vulnerabilities that occur instantly in Bitcoin transfers can be vulnerable to new generation quantum computers. It is a matter of curiosity what kind of infrastructure changes crypto networks, distributed systems and decentralized platforms will make against this new threat.
