Quantum computers can crack 15-bit ECC keys, and there is currently no threat to 256-bit Bitcoin security, but the countdown for migration is accelerating

By: rootdata|2026/04/25 17:42:01
0
Share
copy

Project Eleven today awarded the Q-Day prize to researcher Giancarlo Lelli, who successfully derived a 15-digit elliptic curve private key from a public key using publicly accessible quantum hardware, marking the largest scale demonstration of its kind to date, a 512-fold increase from the 6-digit demonstration in September 2025.

Lelli used a variant of Shor's algorithm for the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem, which is the mathematical foundation of the btc-42">Bitcoin signature scheme, with the awarded hardware featuring approximately 70 qubits. Currently, no known quantum computer can crack real Bitcoin wallets, and the security of Bitcoin's 256-bit elliptic curve remains far beyond current quantum capabilities. Notably, Google lowered its resource estimates for ECDLP-256 on March 31 and set a target for the migration to quantum cryptography after 2029, followed by Cloudflare, and the UK's NCSC also set migration milestones from 2028 to 2035.

On-chain data shows that approximately 6.93 million BTC are at potential quantum risk due to exposed public keys. The Bitcoin community has proposed BIP 360 and BIP 361 to promote the migration to quantum-resistant output types, but the coordination challenges of a decentralized network remain the biggest hurdle.

-- Price

--

You may also like

a16z Crypto: 9 Charts to Understand the Evolution Trends of Stablecoins

Stablecoins are evolving from trading tools into universal payment infrastructure, and this process is quieter and more thorough than most people expected.

Refutation of Yang Haipo's "The End of Cryptocurrency"

This may be the true test of cryptocurrency. It's not about whether the price has reached a new high, nor about who will achieve financial freedom in the next bull market, but rather whether, after all the grand narratives have been washed away by cycles, it can still leave behind some simpler, more...

Can a hairdryer earn $34,000? Interpreting the reflexivity paradox of prediction markets

Prediction markets are essentially betting on reality, and when participants can access or even influence this path earlier, the market no longer just reflects reality but begins to shape it in return.

6MV Founder: In 2026, the "landmark turning point" for crypto investment has arrived

"I will deploy funds in 2026, so I will tell you this is the best year in history."

Abraxas Capital Mints $2.89 Billion USDT: Liquidity Boost or Just More Stablecoin Arbitrage?

Abraxas Capital just received $2.89 billion in freshly minted USDT from Tether. Is this a bullish liquidity injection for crypto markets, or is it business as usual for a stablecoin arbitrage giant? We analyze the data and the likely impact on Bitcoin, altcoins, and DeFi.

A VC from the Crypto world said AI is too crazy, and they are very conservative

Amid the Crypto frenzy and with investors who once missed out on Pinduoduo, a new AI fund called Impa Ventures was established, rejecting bubble narratives and adhering to a conservative "problem-first" strategy to seek real business value.

Contents

Popular coins

Latest Crypto News

Read more
iconiconiconiconiconiconicon
Customer Support:@weikecs
Business Cooperation:@weikecs
Quant Trading & MM:bd@weex.com
VIP Program:support@weex.com