Google warns quantum computing may break bitcoin earlier than thought, prepares 2029 transition
Google warns that quantum computers could break Bitcoin's security sooner than expected, urging a transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2029.Summary
Google Research has updated its estimates, warning that future quantum computers may be able to break the ECDLP-256 security underpinning most cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, sooner than previously anticipated. New analysis suggests the required quantum resources have significantly decreased, potentially allowing for real-time "on-spend" attacks targeting active transactions within Bitcoin's 10-minute block time. While the margin for error is narrowing, Google urges all vulnerable cryptocurrency communities to immediately begin migrating to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Google itself has set a 2029 target for a full PQC migration across its systems, a timeline it suggests the industry should adopt. This quantum threat is cited as a reason some investors, like Christopher Wood of Jefferies, have reduced their crypto exposure.
(Source：The Block)