Quantum computing is at the heart of the crypto ecosystem. Indeed, the advent of quantum computers could jeopardize the encryption algorithms which are at the heart of cryptos. For example, Researchers from Shanghai University recently demonstrated the possibility of breaking certain encryption algorithms with this type of computers. Recently, Google revealed « Willow »a quantum chip capable of solving problems in a few minutes that would take millions of years for current supercomputers, reigniting debates around the security of Bitcoin.
- The announcement of the “Willow” quantum chip by Google shook the crypto ecosystem because of its potential to challenge current encryption algorithms.
- Although Willow is not yet powerful enough to directly threaten Bitcoin, it represents a worrying step toward quantum computing capable of surpassing today's supercomputers.
Google unveils Willow its new quantum chip
Bitcoin and all cryptocurrencies are based on cryptographic algorithms such as ECDSA for signatures and SHA-256 for hashing.
These algorithms, robust against classical computers, could be made obsolete by sufficiently powerful quantum computers.
On December 9, Google unveiled its new quantum chip called “Willow”.
“Today, Google's Quantum AI team unveiled Willow, a cutting-edge quantum computing chip that has demonstrated the ability not only to correct errors exponentially, but also to process certain calculations faster than supercomputers in known delays in physics. »
In practice, Willow is a quantum chip with 70 “qubits”which are like super bits. As a reminder, in a traditional computer, a classic bit can take two values, either 0 or 1. For its part, a qubit can take the values 0, 1, or a combination of the two at the same time, thanks to a property called “superposition”.
Google a danger for crypto?
Obviously, the announcement of this new chip quickly reached the crypto sphere. In fact, many observers who fear that such a computer could jeopardize the security of Bitcoinand other cryptos.
Although the 70 qubits of Willow are still far from the millions needed to directly break Bitcointhis chip is one more step in a progression towards quantum computing.
Several projects are already exploring post-quantum cryptography, algorithms designed to resist attacks from quantum computers. Bitcoin, in particular, could require a hard fork to integrate new resistant signatures.
However, this process is very delicate and often controversial. Indeed, it implies a global consensus, which can be tedious to achieve.
Obviously, there is absolutely nothing innovative about these questions. Indeed, Google's quantum work has been questioning the crypto sphere since at least 2019.
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