Quantum Computing's Impact on Bitcoin: Expert Insights

According to BlockBeats, ElizaOS founder Shaw has expressed views on the perceived threat of quantum computing to Bitcoin, suggesting that its realization is much further away than current media reports indicate. Shaw explained that while Grover's algorithm can theoretically reduce the search space for hash functions like SHA-256 from 2²⁵⁶ to 2¹²⁸, the latter remains unbreakable. Although Shor's algorithm could theoretically crack RSA/ECDSA encryption, current quantum computers typically rely on preprocessing or prior knowledge for optimization, rather than a universal implementation of Shor's algorithm. To compromise Bitcoin, a real-time network, would require rapid and repeated execution, which, if possible, would expose all encrypted data, making Bitcoin a minor issue in comparison. Modern cryptography has always anticipated future computational growth, including the acceleration expected decades ago. Shaw advises skepticism towards fear or hype surrounding quantum computing, noting that many commentators lack understanding.