CoinDesk Podcast Network Google Warns Quantum Could Crack Bitcoin Faster Than Thought | CoinDesk Daily
Mar 31, 2026
A new Google quantum whitepaper warns Bitcoin could be cracked with far less computing power than thought. The report raises concerns that recent protocol changes may make real-time targeting of transactions easier. The show also covers a selective-disclosure privacy mainnet launch and a U.S. proposal to let 401(k)s access crypto and private equity.
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Quantum Threat To Bitcoin Is Closer Than Expected
- Google’s Quantum AI team says cracking Bitcoin/Ethereum may need fewer than 500,000 physical qubits.
- Their paper models attacks needing only 1 to 1,450 high-quality qubits and real-time hijacks in about nine minutes, risking 6.9 million exposed BTC.
Real Time Transaction Hijacks Possible In Minutes
- Google warns quantum attacks could hijack real-time Bitcoin transactions in about nine minutes.
- The team estimates such attacks could beat confirmations ~41% of the time and expose roughly 6.9 million BTC.
Taproot Increased Wallets Exposed To Quantum Risk
- Bitcoin's Taproot upgrade makes public keys visible by default, widening wallets vulnerable to quantum attacks.
- Google urges earlier migration to post-quantum cryptography because Taproot increases the exposed key pool.