Bitcoin relies on elliptic-curve cryptography to secure its digital signatures by creating a mathematical link between public and private keys. However, an October 2026 preprint published by the French quantum computing firm Alice & Bob indicates that this security measure might eventually be compromised.
The researchers detailed how an advanced quantum system could theoretically utilize Shor's algorithm to reverse-engineer this vital cryptographic relationship. According to their estimates, successfully breaking the encryption of the network would require precisely 29,588 specialised quantum qubits and roughly 62 minutes of processing time.
Highlighting that a machine equipped with 30,000 qubits could crack Bitcoin keys in about an hour, the quantum experts went on to advise the public to liquidate their cryptocurrency assets before the year 2030 and transfer their funds to traditional banks. I personally view that recommendation as a major step backward. Regardless, we are definitely heading into some fascinating times in the future.
The researchers detailed how an advanced quantum system could theoretically utilize Shor's algorithm to reverse-engineer this vital cryptographic relationship. According to their estimates, successfully breaking the encryption of the network would require precisely 29,588 specialised quantum qubits and roughly 62 minutes of processing time.
Highlighting that a machine equipped with 30,000 qubits could crack Bitcoin keys in about an hour, the quantum experts went on to advise the public to liquidate their cryptocurrency assets before the year 2030 and transfer their funds to traditional banks. I personally view that recommendation as a major step backward. Regardless, we are definitely heading into some fascinating times in the future.