# Quantum machine could solve the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem using significantly fewer resources than previously assumed.

*web3 · news · 2026-04-06 · TechRadar*

## Key points

- Google's new research shows fewer than 500,000 physical qubits could break Bitcoin's encryption.
- Two quantum circuit designs require under 1,500 logical qubits and millions of gate operations for attacks.
- Quantum computations to break secp256k1 could be completed within minutes on advanced hardware.
- Google used zero-knowledge proofs to disclose findings without revealing sensitive implementation details.
- Researchers recommend early transition to post-quantum cryptography for blockchain security.

**Companies:** Google
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/pro/we-want-to-raise-awareness-on-this-issue-google-warns-quantum-computers-could-break-bitcoin-encryption-much-sooner-than-expected)

---

Canonical: https://newsio.io/n/8389d89d-04c3-431d-bc08-ee32e7dab479/quantum-machine-could-solve-the-elliptic-curve-discrete-logarithm-problem-using
Summarized by Newsio from TechRadar. https://newsio.io/how-it-works