A new study linked to Google has raised fresh concerns about the future of Bitcoin, warning that quantum computers could break its security sooner than expected.
Researchers say advances in quantum computing have reduced the resources needed to crack the encryption that protects Bitcoin wallets. The study suggests the timeline for a real threat is now much closer than earlier predictions.
Bitcoin relies on complex cryptography to keep transactions safe. But quantum computers work very differently from normal machines and could solve these problems much faster using advanced algorithms.
According to the findings, a powerful enough quantum computer could potentially crack a Bitcoin wallet’s private key in just minutes. Some estimates suggest this could happen in around nine minutes once the technology is ready.
The report also warns that a large amount of Bitcoin could be exposed. Around 6.9 million coins — worth hundreds of billions of dollars — are believed to be vulnerable if such an attack becomes possible.
Experts say the biggest concern is not today, but the near future. While current quantum computers are still too weak, the pace of development is increasing quickly, with some predictions pointing to a breakthrough around 2029.
There is also concern about “store now, decrypt later” attacks, where data is collected today and cracked in the future once quantum machines are powerful enough.
In response, developers are already working on “post-quantum” security systems designed to resist these attacks. However, upgrading global systems like Bitcoin could take years.
For now, Bitcoin remains secure. But the research shows the clock may be ticking, and the crypto industry could soon face one of its biggest challenges yet.
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