Can Google’s Latest Quantum Chip Computer Crack Bitcoin’s Encryption?

Stay connected with BizTech Community—follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and reviews delivered straight to you.

Rapid advancements in the world of quantum computing technology are opening a new chapter in the realm of technology. One of the standout achievements is the Willow chip developed by Google‘s Quantum AI team.

This chip is claimed to be able to solve highly complex computational problems in an unimaginably short time. For example, a problem that would take up to 10 septillion years on the best supercomputers can be solved by the Willow chip in less than five minutes. This advancement raises concerns about its impact on the security of crypto technology, particularly Bitcoin and other digital assets.

What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing is a type of computation that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. Unlike classical computers that use the basic unit of information in the form of bits (which can only be in the state of 0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in a superposition state—meaning they can be in the state of 0 and 1 simultaneously. This unique property of qubits allows quantum computers to process information exponentially faster, enabling them to solve complex problems that conventional computers cannot.

However, the major challenge faced by quantum computers is their high error rate. Qubits are very sensitive to environmental disturbances, and even small errors can disrupt the calculation results. Nevertheless, significantly reducing the error rate is the main focus of quantum technology development.

The Achievement of Google’s Willow Chip

Chip Willow is the result of extensive research by Google’s Quantum AI team, which aims to create quantum computers capable of handling extremely large calculations with high efficiency.

Hartmut Neven, the leader of Google’s Quantum AI team, revealed that this chip has achieved a breakthrough in reducing the computational error rate, which had previously been a major barrier in the development of quantum computers.

“With the latest capabilities in quantum error correction, we have managed to reduce the error rate by half, which means we have achieved an exponential reduction in errors,” Neven said in a blog post in December 2024. This success demonstrates that quantum computers, although still in the development stage, are getting closer to the point where they can be used to solve complex real-world problems.

However, despite being an extraordinary advancement, this technology is still far from being able to replace conventional computers in everyday applications.

Willow, which has 105 qubits, is far from the capacity needed to threaten the encryption underlying Bitcoin. According to Kevin Rose, former senior product manager at Google, to be able to break Bitcoin’s encryption within 24 hours, a quantum computer would need around 13 million qubits—an amount that far exceeds the current capacity of the Willow chip.

Can Quantum Computing Threaten Bitcoin Security?

One of the potential threats feared with the advancement of quantum technology is its ability to hack the encryption algorithms that protect digital assets like Bitcoin. Bitcoin uses public key-based cryptographic algorithms to keep transactions secure. If a quantum computer is powerful enough to break this encryption, the security of the entire Bitcoin network could be at risk.

However, although quantum computing shows great potential, it is still too early to consider it a direct threat to Bitcoin. This technology is not yet mature enough to solve existing cryptographic problems. Therefore, although Willow is a significant step in the world of quantum computing, we still have time to adapt.

Next Steps: Preparing for a Quantum-Ready Future

Experts believe that the more tangible threat of quantum computers to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies may not occur until between 2030 and 2050.

During this period, it is highly likely that quantum technology will become more mature and possess sufficient capacity to breach current encryption systems. Therefore, the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry must start preparing by adopting protocols that are more resistant to attacks from quantum computers.

One of the solutions that has already begun to be developed is quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms, commonly known as “post-quantum cryptography.” This technology will allow crypto systems like Bitcoin to remain secure even as quantum computers become more advanced.

Interestingly, the creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, had already anticipated the possibility of transitioning to a stronger algorithm if the threat from quantum computers began to materialize. This shows that although Bitcoin is currently secure, its system has been designed with the flexibility to face major changes in the future.

Conclusion

Although the Willow chip and advancements in quantum computing are significant breakthroughs, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are still safe for now. However, with the continuous advancement of technology, it is important for the crypto and blockchain industry to start planning measures to address the potential threats from quantum computers. Over time, adapting to new technologies such as quantum-resistant protocols will be key to ensuring that digital assets remain secure in the future.