technology
Quantum computers may soon be capable of breaking internet encryption
Two research teams report that quantum hardware and algorithm advances bring practical attacks on elliptic curve encryption within reach, prompting urgent calls to adopt post-quantum cryptography.
Apr 1st 2026 ยท United States
Insights
- Two new studies find quantum machines could break elliptic curve encryption far sooner than previously estimated.
- Dolev Bluvstein estimates a 10,000-qubit ultracold-atom machine could solve the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem after several years of runtime.
- Google researchers estimate a 500,000-qubit superconducting machine could break the same encryption in about nine minutes while withholding full algorithm details for security.
- Current quantum devices exceed 1,000 qubits and a 6,100-qubit array exists though it has not been used for computation.
- Decentralised systems like bitcoin are especially vulnerable to fast quantum attacks while migration to post-quantum encryption is incomplete.
- NIST and other experts urge organisations to begin migrating to post-quantum cryptography now because the window for safe transition is finite.
Sources
- New quantum-computing advances heighten threat to elliptic curve cryptosystems arstechnica.com
- Google warns future quantum computers may crack tech that protects cryptocurrency timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- The first quantum computer to break encryption is now shockingly close www.newscientist.com