Google has warned that quantum computers could break Bitcoin’s security much sooner than expected, raising concerns across the crypto world.
New research from Google suggests that the computing power needed to crack Bitcoin’s encryption has dropped sharply. Experts say it now requires around 20 times fewer quantum resources than earlier estimates.
Bitcoin relies on complex cryptography to keep wallets safe. But Google researchers believe a powerful enough quantum computer could one day calculate private keys from public ones in just minutes.
In a worst-case scenario, this could allow hackers to steal funds during transactions. Some estimates suggest up to 6.9 million Bitcoin could be at risk if the technology becomes available.
Right now, such quantum computers do not exist. However, Google and other experts say progress is speeding up, with some predictions pointing to a possible breakthrough as early as 2029.
The threat is serious because updating Bitcoin’s system is slow. Experts warn it could take years to fully switch to “quantum-safe” security, leaving a gap where attacks could happen.
Developers are already working on solutions. New proposals and upgrades aim to protect Bitcoin using post-quantum cryptography, which is designed to resist these future attacks.
For now, investors are not panicking. But the warning has started a bigger conversation about whether crypto is ready for the next wave of technology.
The message from Google is clear — quantum computing may not be a distant problem anymore, and the race to secure digital assets has already begun.
