Quantum Computing Threat to Bitcoin Grows: Alice & Bob Model Cuts Hardware Needs 17-Fold

French quantum computing startup Alice & Bob has published a new model that dramatically lowers the hardware requirements for a potential attack on Bitcoin's encryption. The model shows a 17-fold reduction in the resources needed to break the elliptic curve cryptography securing Bitcoin keys, bringing a theoretical quantum threat significantly closer to practical reality. This development intensifies pressure on the cryptocurrency industry to accelerate the adoption of quantum-resistant security measures. Bitcoin relies on ECDSA for transaction signatures, which could be vulnerable to sufficiently powerful quantum computers running Shor's algorithm. While current quantum machines are far from capable of such attacks, Alice & Bob's research indicates that the hardware threshold may be lower than previously estimated, shortening the timeline for a credible threat. The findings underscore the urgency for blockchain developers and financial institutions to begin transitioning to post-quantum cryptographic standards. As quantum technology advances, the window to secure digital assets against future attacks narrows, making proactive migration a critical priority for the long-term integrity of cryptocurrencies.