Google Flags Quantum Risk to Bitcoin Encryption

Published by

Sohrab Khawas

March 31, 2026

Google’s Quantum AI team, with researchers like Justin Drake and Dan Boneh, published a paper showing a significantly more efficient implementation of Shor’s algorithm that could threaten cryptography used by Bitcoin and Ethereum. The optimized method needs around 1,000 logical qubits (500,000 physical qubits) to solve the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem, securing ECDSA signatures, and potentially cracking private keys in minutes. Google has set a 2029 deadline for post-quantum cryptography migration and urged blockchains to upgrade quickly to protect against future quantum threats.

Sohrab Khawas

Sohrab is a passionate cryptocurrency news writer with over five years of experience covering the industry. He keeps a keen interest in blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize finance. Whether he's trading or writing, Sohrab always keeps his finger on the pulse of the crypto world, using his expertise to deliver informative and engaging articles that educate and inspire. When he's not analyzing the markets, Sohrab indulges in his hobbies of graphic design, minimal design or listening to his favorite hip-hop tunes.

Published by

Sohrab Khawas

Tags: Crypto news