'We want to raise awareness on this issue': Google warns quantum computers could break Bitcoin encryption much sooner than expected

Date:
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Description:
Google research indicates quantum computers may break cryptocurrency encryption sooner, prompting urgency for post quantum cryptography adoption and coordinated disclosure strategies

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Tech Radar Pro Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. You are
now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter Quantum resource estimates suggest encryption barriers may fall faster than expected Reduced qubit requirements bring theoretical attacks closer to practical reality Bitcoins cryptographic foundations face pressure from advancing quantum algorithm efficiency Google researchers have revised expectations around the computational requirements needed to break widely used cryptographic systems protecting
cryptocurrencies.

The companys latest whitepaper claims a future quantum machine could solve
the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem using significantly fewer resources than previously assumed. Earlier estimates suggested millions of qubits would be required to break encryption schemes such as secp256k1, which underpins Bitcoin security. Article continues below You may like 'We can accelerate the adoption of post-quantum resilience for all web users': Google reveals how Chrome will help secure HTTPS certificates against quantum computer attacks without breaking the Internet Forget the AI Armageddonquantum computing is the real threat to digital security Surfshark adds post-quantum encryption on Mac, Linux, and Android more support coming soon New quantum findings reduce crypto security timelines The new findings indicate fewer than 500,000 physical qubits could be sufficient, representing a substantial reduction in expected hardware requirements.

The research outlines two quantum circuit designs capable of executing Shors algorithm, requiring under 1,500 logical qubits and tens of millions of quantum gate operations.

Under standard assumptions about hardware performance, these computations could be completed within minutes on a sufficiently advanced system.

This marks a continuation of incremental improvements in quantum algorithm efficiency, rather than a sudden breakthrough in hardware capabilities. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro
newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Google states that the intent behind publishing these findings is not to create alarm but to encourage preparation within the cryptocurrency
ecosystem.

We want to raise awareness on this issue and are providing the cryptocurrency community with recommendations to improve security and stability before this is possible, including transitioning blockchains to post-quantum
cryptography, Google executives, Ryan Babbush and Hartmut Neven said.

The company adopted a controlled disclosure strategy, sharing verifiable findings through a zero-knowledge proof mechanism without exposing sensitive implementation details that could enable misuse. What to read next 'The
future lies in quantum-centric supercomputing': IBM reveals its next big plan for developing next-gen quantum computing, but are we any closer to
real-world launches? Quantum battery prototype charges faster as its size increases What quantum technology can learn from AIs development

This approach reflects established practices in cybersecurity, where vulnerabilities are disclosed in a coordinated manner to allow time for mitigation.

However, disclosure in blockchain systems introduces additional complexity,
as confidence in the network plays a direct role in asset value.

Researchers note that exaggerated or poorly substantiated claims could contribute to instability through fear and uncertainty, even in the absence
of immediate technical risk.

Most blockchain systems currently rely on elliptic curve cryptography, which remains secure against classical computing attacks but is vulnerable in a quantum scenario.

Google points to post-quantum cryptography as a viable pathway, emphasizing that alternative algorithms based on more complex mathematical structures are already under development.

These methods aim to resist quantum attacks while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.

Despite the availability of potential solutions, implementation across decentralized networks is expected to be gradual.

The researchers stress the importance of early planning, including reducing exposure of vulnerable wallet addresses and considering policies for inactive or abandoned digital assets. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/we-want-to-raise-awareness-on-this-issue-google- warns-quantum-computers-could-break-bitcoin-encryption-much-sooner-than-expect ed


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)