AI speeds up quantum threat to crypto, security experts warn

Security experts warn that artificial intelligence is accelerating the quantum computing threat to cryptocurrencies, potentially bringing forward the timeline for when blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum could be broken.

Leaders in post-quantum cryptography and blockchain security described a rapidly changing landscape at a recent industry event. AI is simultaneously becoming a weapon for attackers, a defensive tool for developers, and an accelerator of quantum computing research. Alex Pruden, CEO of Project Eleven, a company focused on quantum-resistant blockchain solutions, said the security landscape of the future will be fundamentally different.

For cryptocurrency traders, the quantum threat has long been a theoretical risk, but AI is making it more immediate. If quantum computers can break the elliptic curve cryptography that secures Bitcoin and Ethereum private keys, funds could be stolen and the integrity of the blockchain compromised. This would undermine the core value proposition of digital assets as secure stores of value. Live crypto prices and charts on NowPrice show that markets have not yet priced in this risk, but experts say the industry must act now to transition to quantum-resistant algorithms.

Looking ahead, the timeline for quantum advantage remains uncertain, but AI is narrowing the gap. Developers are racing to implement post-quantum cryptography standards, such as those being developed by NIST. Traders should monitor developments in quantum computing and AI, as any breakthrough could trigger significant market volatility. The crypto industry's ability to adapt will be tested in the coming years.