Quantum computing could break Bitcoin in 15 years, warns major security firm (2:18)
The world’s wealthiest person, Elon Musk, is known for his deep interest in Bitcoin (BTC) and rarely holds back from sharing his views whenever the topic comes up.
So when Google issued a new warning about the potential threat quantum computing poses to Bitcoin, he quickly responded with his thoughts.
Related: Elon Musk showers love on Bitcoin again after a long hiatus
Google warns of quantum threats to Bitcoin
Google recently issued two warnings in a span of a few days.
First, quantum computers will be able to crack cryptography encrypting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) by 2029. In fact, hackers might try stealing encrypted financial details right now and wait until 2029 for quantum computers to become powerful enough to decrypt those details.
Google recommended transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to address the threat.
Second, a quantum system could crack a real-time Bitcoin transaction in about nine minutes. Here is how it could happen.
When a Bitcoin transaction is executed, the public key is revealed for a brief period. A quantum computer powerful enough can use the public key to find out the private key and steal the crypto assets.
It takes approximately 10 minutes for a Bitcoin transaction to confirm; the probability of success is only slightly less than 41%, the paper estimated.
Source: Google Quantum AI whitepaper "Securing Elliptic Curve Cryptocurrencies against Quantum Vulnerabilities: Resource Estimates and Mitigations"
The paper also revealed that it could take fewer than 500,000 qubits—far less than millions of qubits cited earlier—to crack Bitcoin's cryptography. It's a 20-fold reduction in the number of qubits needed to crack the encryption.
More on Quantum Computing:
New warning says quantum tech may crack Bitcoin by 2040
Cathie Wood's ARK warns of shocking risk to 35% of Bitcoin
Ethereum scientist warns 20% chance quantum computers could break crypto
Elon Musk on 'plus side' of quantum threat
Following the discussion surrounding Google's quantum warnings, Elon Musk said there is a "plus side" to it.
"On the plus side, if you forgot the password to your wallet, it will be accessible in the future," he shared with his over 237 million followers on X.
On the plus side, if you forgot the password to your wallet, it will be accessible in the future https://t.co/xAFtNGC5FE
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 31, 2026
What it implies is that quantum computing could become so powerful in the future that it could even retrieve forgotten passwords and make crypto wallets more vulnerable to quantum attacks.
Bitcoin was trading at $66,644.42 at press time, down 24% this year.
Related: Elon Musk welcomes crypto veteran to X