
Quantum computing threats to blockchain and cryptography
The first sign of quantum computing breaking modern cryptography may appear as silent crypto wallet breaches rather than a high-profile theft, according to blockchain experts.

The first sign of quantum computing breaking modern cryptography may appear as silent crypto wallet breaches rather than a high-profile theft, according to blockchain experts.

Former hedge fund manager Jim Cramer plans to sell his Bitcoin holdings, citing quantum computing threats highlighted by IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, while crypto investors reacted with the inverse Cramer meme.

Recent advancements in quantum dot qubits and diamond defect-based qubits demonstrate potential for scalable quantum computing, with IBM acquiring HRL Laboratories' technology and Saxon Q achieving high-fidelity qubits at room temperature.

Charles Edwards of Capriole Investments urges Bitcoin developers to create a clear roadmap for quantum computing resistance, predicting a rapid price surge if they do. The community debates the timing and impact of such changes, while BlackRock notes quantum risk.
IBM's market value plunged after CEO Arvind Krishna reported delayed Q2 software deals and a mainframe sales drop. Krishna asserts these are deferrals, not losses, with a third already closed. IBM also launched Lightwell, a $5B AI security initiative targeting enterprise vulnerabilities.

Michael Saylor's Strategy announced the Bitcoin Security Consortium, a group of financial institutions and Bitcoin companies, pledging $15 million over three years to secure the Bitcoin network against quantum computing threats. Founding members include BlackRock, Coinbase, and Fidelity Digital Assets, with Mike Schmidt coordinating efforts.
Three semiconductor veterans, Sujoy Chakravarty, Ravi Mehta, and Biman Chattopadhyay, founded Quanfluence in Bengaluru, India, to build one of the country's first commercial quantum computers after selling their previous company. They focused on photonic quantum computing, attracting experts and commercializing cloud access for enterprise customers.

Amazon is laying off employees in its artificial general intelligence (AGI) unit, continuing job cuts while investing heavily in AI infrastructure. The company confirmed the move, stating it is sharpening its focus on key initiatives and areas most important to customers' future.
Researchers at CUNY ASRC have successfully recreated the energy extraction process of black holes in a laboratory using a stationary device. This breakthrough, based on a theory by Sir Roger Penrose, uses artificial rotation to amplify electromagnetic waves, with potential applications in communication, optics, and quantum computing.

Scientists at the Technical University of Denmark used a hybrid quantum-classical approach to enhance AI models for drug discovery, successfully generating novel peptides for vaccine development. The method showed improved accuracy, especially with limited training data, and could accelerate personalized immunotherapies.

Lancaster University stores valuable Helium-3 gas, costing $2,000 per litre, in beer kegs for quantum computing and fusion research. With current supply from nuclear weapons limited and future demand rising, companies are exploring lunar extraction, though challenges remain regarding concentration and cost.

Shanghai has launched a Quantum Computing Future Industry Incubation Zone in Xuhui district, attracting 26 quantum firms. The zone aims to foster an industrial ecosystem by providing resources, talent, and subsidies, including up to 100 million yuan for research and 20 million yuan for product development.

Physicist Henry Legg challenges Microsoft's claims about its Majorana 2 quantum chip, arguing the company has not demonstrated the existence of a topological qubit. Legg suggests Microsoft's data may show experimental noise rather than the theoretical qubit, a claim Microsoft disputes.

A Nature critique questions Microsoft's quantum computing chip technology, arguing their data doesn't prove the existence of topological qubits. Microsoft disputes the critique, while announcing a new chip.

A UK physicist has challenged Microsoft's claims of major quantum computing breakthroughs, citing coding errors in their research tools and a lack of proof for creating Majorana quasi-particles. Microsoft maintains its results and commitment to building a scalable quantum computer.
President Trump lauded IBM CEO Arvind Krishna for semiconductor advances and quantum computing investments, while admitting regret over selling IBM stock too early. The administration also announced an executive order to accelerate quantum computing development.

President Trump signed executive orders to secure federal systems against quantum computers by 2031 and accelerate quantum computing development. This move heightens concerns for Bitcoin, with nearly 7 million BTC potentially vulnerable to quantum attacks, and highlights the slow pace of upgrading decentralized networks.

President Trump signed two executive orders Monday to bolster U.S. leadership in quantum computing and accelerate the transition to post-quantum cryptography, preparing for a future where quantum computers could break current encryption standards.

The Algorand Foundation announced a plan to upgrade its blockchain to be resistant to quantum-computing attacks by the end of 2027. This roadmap includes new quantum-resistant accounts, support for hybrid accounts, and network infrastructure upgrades, aiming to secure digital assets against future threats.

Amazon and QuEra promise error-corrected quantum computing by 2028, while Quantinuum details its Helios trapped ion processor. Meanwhile, claims of quantum advantage are being tempered by advances in classical algorithms.

Amazon's top AI executive, Peter DeSantis, predicts the first commercially useful small-scale quantum computers will be available within five to seven years, comparing their future growth to Moore's Law. He clarified that quantum computers will solve specific problems intractable for classical computers, not just be faster.

Major banks are investing in cryptocurrency custody just as a report highlights a quantum computing threat to current security architectures. The Taurus report suggests existing multi-party computation (MPC) and hardware security module (HSM) systems may be vulnerable, potentially impacting Bitcoin and Ethereum. Migrating to quantum-resistant signatures faces significant blockchain protocol challenges.

Coinbase's Quantum Computing Advisory Board has released a report urging the crypto community to prepare for the threat of quantum computers breaking blockchain cryptography. Researchers estimate a quantum machine capable of cracking ECDSA, the standard protecting Bitcoin transactions, could emerge by 2030, potentially jeopardizing millions in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Google declined $2 billion in US government quantum computing funding due to restrictive conditions, according to COO Charina Chou. The company prioritizes rapid development and seeks increased government investment in basic research and talent recruitment to compete with China.