Quantum Attack Threat to Bitcoin and Ethereum Recedes in New Research

quantum attack — New research indicates the timeline for a potential quantum computing attack on Bitcoin and Ethereum may be longer than previously feared, with a key calculation benchmark now estimated to be 50% further away.

A paper shared with CoinDesk details how a combination of human and AI agents has significantly outperformed a result published by Google in March on a core calculation integral to Shor’s algorithm. This algorithm is the theoretical foundation for using quantum computers to break the cryptographic schemes securing major blockchains.

The improved performance on this calculation adds a new variable to the countdown for so-called “crypto’s quantum clock.” While the threat remains a long-term concern, the new findings suggest the practical capability to execute such an attack is developing more slowly than some recent estimates indicated.

The research does not eliminate the quantum risk but recalibrates the timeline, potentially buying more time for the cryptocurrency ecosystem to develop and deploy quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions.