Bitcoin protocol's digital signature vulnerable to quantum attacks

Investor Andrew Gault warns that the crypto industry is focusing on protecting wallet keys while the real quantum threat targets Bitcoin's core digital signature algorithm, ECDSA. A quantum computer capable of breaking ECDSA could forge transaction signatures and compromise the integrity of the entire ledger, not just individual accounts. Google’s security team has echoed this concern. Current quantum hardware lacks enough stable qubits to run Shor’s algorithm at scale, so the risk is measured in years rather than months, but the issue is now driving active discussion in Bitcoin Core development.

Separately, the United States government has announced roughly $2 billion in equity investments in several quantum‑computing firms, including IBM, D‑Wave, Atom Computing and PsiQuantum. The funding is intended to accelerate a technology seen as strategic for defense, artificial intelligence and cyber‑security, though political ties of some recipients have sparked debate in Washington. The move signals a shift from experimental research to a national‑priority sector, aiming to position the U.S. ahead of competitors such as China.