Quantum computers threaten Bitcoin security

Google warns quantum computers could break Bitcoin’s security by 2029, exposing millions of coins. Developers are racing to implement quantum-proof upgrades amid rising market volatility.

Recent warnings from Google and industry experts highlight a growing threat to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies from quantum computing. According to Google’s research, quantum computers could break Bitcoin’s cryptography in under nine minutes, potentially exposing millions of coins to theft as early as 2029. Around 32% of all Bitcoin ever mined—about 6.7 million coins—are considered vulnerable. The risk is greatest during transactions, when a public key is briefly exposed. In this window, a quantum computer could potentially derive the private key and intercept funds, with the probability of a successful attack estimated at up to 41%. Developers are exploring quantum-resistant upgrades, such as hash-based signatures and commit/reveal schemes, but adoption is slow due to decentralized governance. Meanwhile, market volatility has increased amid geopolitical tensions, with Bitcoin prices dropping below $66,000 and significant liquidations occurring. Experts urge the crypto community to act swiftly to implement protective measures before quantum computers become a practical threat.