New Research Suggests 30K Qubits Could Break Bitcoin Encryption in One Hour
Quantum computing company Alice & Bob's research indicates that cracking Bitcoin's cryptography may be possible with fewer resources than previously thought.
Quantum computing company Alice & Bob's research indicates that cracking Bitcoin's cryptography may be possible with fewer resources than previously thought. Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at ₹76,95,545 ($80,754.00). This is an original Token Times brief synthesising 2 outlets (Bitcoin.com, CryptoPotato), plus live market data, as of Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:15:02 UTC.
This research highlights the growing urgency for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to adopt quantum-resistant encryption methods to protect against future threats. If realized, such capabilities could undermine the security of blockchain networks and digital assets.
- Alice & Bob estimates 30,000 cat qubits could break Bitcoin encryption in one hour.
- Current quantum computers are far from this capability, with Alice & Bob's largest at 12 qubits.
- The research underscores the need for quantum-resistant cryptography in blockchain technology.
Bitcoin.com and CryptoPotato both report Alice & Bob's estimate that 30,000 cat qubits could break Bitcoin's encryption in one hour, assuming qubits with a century-long stability period. However, CryptoPotato specifically notes that Alice & Bob's largest current demonstrator operates on a 12-qubit chip, highlighting the significant technological gap between current capabilities and the requirements for such an attack. While the outlets agree on the theoretical potential, they differ slightly in emphasizing the current technological limitations.
New research from quantum computing company Alice & Bob suggests that the cryptography protecting the 
Bitcoin network could be vulnerable to quantum attacks with fewer resources than previously estimated.
The researchers claim that approximately 30,000 cat qubits, which are a type of quantum bit known for their stability, could break Bitcoin's encryption in one hour. This estimate assumes qubits that can maintain their state for about a century without experiencing a bit-flip error.
While this research indicates a potential future threat, it is important to note that current quantum computing technology is still far from this capability. Alice & Bob's largest demonstrator, for instance, operates on a 12-qubit chip, as reported by CryptoPotato.
The research adds to the ongoing discussion about the need for quantum-resistant cryptography in blockchain technology. As quantum computing advances, the risk of attacks on cryptographic systems increases, prompting calls to develop and implement more secure encryption methods.
In the current market context, with Bitcoin trading at $80,739 and a total crypto market cap of $2.77 trillion, this research serves as a reminder of the potential future challenges facing the industry. The Fear & Greed Index remains at a neutral level of 51, reflecting the market's cautious stance amid these developments.
Since this brief published about 4 hours ago, Bitcoin (BTC) has moved from ₹76,94,115.85$80,739.00 to ₹76,95,545.30$80,754.00 — +0.02%.
The chart plots BTC's price: grey is the move before this brief published, the vertical dashed line marks the moment it published, the horizontal dashed line is the price then, and the coloured area is the move since — from Token Times's market data (daily resolution). It shows what happened after the news, not that the news caused it; many factors move prices. Not financial advice.
Will Bitcoin reach $82,500 in October?
Crowd-implied probability on Polymarket, ₹12.90M 24h volume, resolves Nov 1 — snapshotted when this brief published (Oct 29 18:05 UTC). A market price reflects what traders collectively expect; it is not a forecast by Token Times and will have moved since. View the market ↗
At today's peer-to-peer rate, 1 BTC ≈ ₹8.28M (about $80,754.00), down 0.3% over 24 hours. The rupee itself trades about 7.6% above the official rate on the P2P market, so a Indian buyer's effective cost differs from the headline dollar price.
Live market data
Current prices for the assets in this story — live, source-stamped, updated every 15 minutes.
New Research Suggests 30K Qubits Could Break Bitcoin Encrypt — questions & answers
How many qubits are needed to break Bitcoin encryption?
Alice & Bob estimates approximately 30,000 cat qubits could break Bitcoin's encryption in one hour.
What is the current state of quantum computing technology?
Alice & Bob's largest current quantum computer operates on a 12-qubit chip, highlighting the gap between theory and practice.
Why is this research significant for Bitcoin?
The research underscores the importance of developing quantum-resistant cryptography to protect Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies from future quantum attacks.
How much is 1 Bitcoin worth in rupee today?
About ₹8.28M at the live peer-to-peer (P2P) USDT rate, which is what Indians typically trade at — equivalent to roughly $80,754.00. The rupee price moves with both BTC's US-dollar price and the USDT/INR rate; use our Bitcoin in rupee page for any amount.
Which outlets reported this story?
This is an original Token Times brief that synthesises reporting from Bitcoin.com, CryptoPotato, with the key figures cross-checked for agreement across them. It is not a copy of any one article — follow the source links above for the original reporting.
Original summary — not financial advice. This is an original Token Times brief that summarises a development reported elsewhere and adds live market data for context; it is not the original article and reproduces no part of it. Follow the source link above for full details. Crypto is volatile and high-risk — always do your own research.