Google Slams Quantum Computing Deadline for Crypto Makers

Google has announced that it will migrate to post-quantum cryptography by 2029. The company warned that current encryption standards are at risk from quantum computing advances, which could compromise systems securing the internet, Bitcoin (BTC), and Ethereum (ETH).

The migration is necessary because of the growing threat of 'store-now-decrypt-later' attacks and the future ability of quantum computers to break digital signatures used in authentication. Google stated that quantum computers will pose a significant threat to current cryptographic standards, specifically targeting encryption and digital signatures.

Nic Carter said, 'I'm sure Bitcoin can agree on a path forward, write and test a series of updates, soft fork them in, and fully migrate 50 million addresses in three years.' However, not all wallets face equal exposure, as Galaxy Digital's research head Alex Thorn noted that funds are at risk only when public keys are exposed on-chain.

Ark Invest argued that the threat remains years or decades away, stating that current quantum systems lack the power to compromise Bitcoin and that any breakthrough 'would disrupt internet security first, triggering coordinated responses well beyond Bitcoin.'