Quantum | Crypto

Quantum computing won’t break Bitcoin in 2026, but the growing practice of “harvest now, decrypt later” is pushing the crypto industry to prepare sooner rather than later. Quantum computing has long been viewed as a threat to cryptocurrencies, a technology that could one day crack the cryptography securing Bitcoin and other blockchains. In 2026, that fear is resurfacing as major tech firms accelerate quantum research and investment. While the technology is not yet ready for widespread use, the pace of investment and experimentation has gained traction. In February, Microsoft unveiled its Majorana 1 chip, which the company dubbed “the world’s first quantum chip powered by a new Topological Core architecture,” rekindling debate about how quickly quantum hardware might move from research into real-world systems. However, despite growing attention, most experts say the risk to crypto remains theoretical, not imminent. The real concern, they argue, is not a sudden cryptographic collapse next year, but what attacke...

Kevin O’Leary, aka “Mr Wonderful,” says Bitcoin may not be the most logical first target for quantum computing attacks. Quantum computers may eventually be capable of breaking Bitcoins security, but attempting to use it that way could be entirely pointless, according to multimillionaire entrepreneur Kevin OLeary. If youre going to take a quantum computer stack and dedicate it to cracking Bitcoin, is that the best use of the power and that facility, or is there another way to make money? OLeary says during an interview with Magazine. Ive heard the narrative for almost six years, OLeary, dressed in his trademark black suit, says, brushing aside a long-held concern from the crypto industry. Read more

Quantum computing could enable the reverse engineering of private keys from publicly exposed ones, putting the security of Bitcoin holders at risk. Quantum technology can process an enormous amount of data and solve complex problems in seconds rather than decades. Remarkably, quantum technology first appeared in the early 1900s. It originated from quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that examines how matter and energy behave at extremely small scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles.  Read more