Google’s Quantum Breakthrough Sparks New Concerns Over Bitcoin and Encryption Security
A newly published scientific paper by Google’s quantum research team is raising fresh alarms about the future of Bitcoin and internet security, signaling that quantum computers may be much closer to breaking current encryption systems than previously thought.
In the groundbreaking study, Google researcher Craig Gidney reveals that RSA-2048 encryption—used widely in everything from online banking to cryptocurrency wallets—could be broken using quantum computers with just 1 million qubits, down from the 20 million previously estimated in 2019. This 20x reduction in required resources suggests quantum threats could emerge years ahead of earlier projections.
“This represents a 20-fold reduction in the number of qubits compared to our previous estimate,” Gidney stated in his blog post.
Quantum Leap in Efficiency
This breakthrough is made possible by improvements in quantum algorithms and error correction. One of the most significant advancements is the doubling of speed in the complex operation known as modular exponential computation, a cornerstone of RSA security. Additionally, a new method called “magic state cultivation” increases task accuracy and reduces quantum resource requirements.
The researchers also boosted logical qubit density, meaning more usable quantum bits can operate in the same physical space, drastically improving processing capabilities.
What It Means for Bitcoin
Although BTC uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) instead of RSA, both systems rely on complex mathematical problems that quantum computers are specifically designed to solve. While Bitcoin’s 256-bit ECC encryption remains secure for now, the rapid acceleration of quantum computing tech raises questions about its long-term resilience.
Currently, the most powerful quantum machines, like IBM’s 1,121-qubit Condor and Google’s 53-qubit Sycamore, are far from the 1 million mark. But if the development trend continues, experts warn that ECC—including Bitcoin’s core security—could be vulnerable within the next decade.
Conclusion
This is not an immediate threat to your Bitcoin or online accounts, but Google’s findings represent a major warning sign. If quantum computing continues to advance at its current pace, the foundations of digital security—from blockchain to banking—will need urgent reinvention.
Bitcoin developers and cybersecurity experts may soon face one of their biggest challenges yet: preparing for a post-quantum world.
Kosta Gushterov
Reporter at Coindoo
Kosta has been a part of the team since 2021 and has solidified his position with a thirst for knowledge, incredible dedication to his work and a “detective-like” mindset. He not only covers a wide range of trending topics, he also creates reviews, PR articles and educational content. His work has also been referenced by other news outlets.
