A quantum computer with 1,000 qubits may still be far too small to break today’s major blockchains.
That does not mean crypto investors can ignore the risk. If quantum hardware eventually reaches the scale needed to attack cryptographic signatures, funds in vulnerable wallets could become a target, especially for users who reuse addresses or leave old public keys exposed.
Oxford physicist Tim Palmer argues that current quantum systems may hit a fundamental scaling limit around 200,400 qubits, with the ceiling potentially never exceeding 1,000. That is a very different outlook from the assumption that quantum computers will simply keep growing until they can crack $BTC or $ETH .
The warning is less about an immediate hack and more about preparation. Networks such as $QRL are already focused on quantum-resistant security, while larger chains may eventually need upgrades before the threat becomes practical. Would the market price this risk early, or wait until the technology is already close?
#QuantumComputing #CryptoSecurity #Bitcoin
That does not mean crypto investors can ignore the risk. If quantum hardware eventually reaches the scale needed to attack cryptographic signatures, funds in vulnerable wallets could become a target, especially for users who reuse addresses or leave old public keys exposed.
Oxford physicist Tim Palmer argues that current quantum systems may hit a fundamental scaling limit around 200,400 qubits, with the ceiling potentially never exceeding 1,000. That is a very different outlook from the assumption that quantum computers will simply keep growing until they can crack $BTC or $ETH .
The warning is less about an immediate hack and more about preparation. Networks such as $QRL are already focused on quantum-resistant security, while larger chains may eventually need upgrades before the threat becomes practical. Would the market price this risk early, or wait until the technology is already close?
#QuantumComputing #CryptoSecurity #Bitcoin
