Can a quantum computer break Bitcoin? Is it possible to crack the private key of our wallet?
Let me first say the conclusion: Bitcoin cannot be cracked in our lifetime, and the private key cannot be cracked.
We often hear such information as "Bitcoin will be cracked and will be reset to zero after the quantum computer comes out". In fact, you don't have to worry about this problem at all. Let me give you some knowledge about Bitcoin.
Bitcoin uses the secp256k1 algorithm to generate public and private keys. secp256k1 is a digital signature algorithm based on elliptic curve cryptography. Everyone knows the public key of all wallets. It is equivalent to a lock that everyone can see. The private key is the key. Only when this key is leaked can our Bitcoin be stolen.
If you want to crack the private key, you must first find a technology to crack elliptic curve cryptography. Quantum computers can use the Shor algorithm to solve discrete logarithms to crack elliptic curve encryption, thereby cracking the private key. The basic condition for cracking a 256-bit elliptic curve encryption private key is 2339 quantum bits and 126 billion Toffoli gates, that is, 13*10^6=317 million quantum bits are needed to crack a 256-bit elliptic curve encryption in one day.
The largest IBM superconducting quantum computer now is 127 quantum bitcoin bits. To crack a Bitcoin private key in one day, 317 million/127=2.496 million IBM superconducting quantum computers are needed. If the speed of IBM superconducting quantum computers doubles every year (which is impossible), each superconducting quantum computer will have 130 million quantum bits in 20 years. At this time, three computers can crack Bitcoin private keys in one day. However, technology is advancing, and encryption technology is also advancing. Cryptography is now actively carrying out research on post-quantum cryptography. In the future, supersingular elliptic curve homology keys are expected to replace the current conventional elliptic curve keys.
It can be said that Bitcoin will never be cracked in our lifetime. We don’t need to worry about the security of Bitcoin. We should worry more about whether you have Bitcoin. In fact, a family will not need too much money in the future. One Bitcoin is enough.
