Microsoft has presented a revolutionary quantum calculation technology which has the potential to transform the future of bitcoin and cryptography.
The technological giant has unveiled the Majorana 1 chip, a step that changes the situation towards the creation of a quantum computer on the scale of public services. Although this innovation has great potential, it raises questions about Bitcoin long -term security.
Experts are currently debating potential risks and if the cryptography sector is ready for a quantum focused on.
A new state of matter in quantum computer science
Microsoft’s research team claims to have discovered a new matter of matter known as “topological superconductor”. This unusual phenomenon, which is crucial for the Majorana 1 semiconductor, allows more stable and error-free qubits.
Qubits, the fundamental units of quantum IT, have already suffered from error rates which hampered large -scale applications.
Microsoft aims to reduce the error rates of a 1,000 factor by effectively proving their topological qubit, compared to past quantum approaches. The company considers that this will bring quantum calculation closer to the level of public services, potentially during the next decade. New borders in artificial intelligence, materials science and – everyone – cryptography could be opened by this technology.
Microsoft’s new matter of matter is a quantum threat to Bitcoin
– Protos (@protos) February 20, 2025
The threat to Bitcoin encryption
Bitcoin mines are based on SHA-256 and use the Elliptical Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) to secure transactions. These systems are supposed to be almost waterproof to access conventional computers. Quantum computers could, however, reverse this.
If the quantum jump of Microsoft continues, the experts fear that algorithms such as Shor and Grover will one day crack Bitcoin encryption. Shor’s method, in particular, can resolve the mathematical challenges underlying ECDSA, thus exposing Bitcoin portfolios to theft.
Although today’s quantum devices are still far from this potential, rapid improvements suggest that the risk could become a reality in the next decade.
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Microsoft’s chronology and response from the industry
Microsoft said he intended to build a fully operational quantum computer system by 2030. The Majorana 1 chip represents an important step, but considerable obstacles remain. The company’s roadmap is to improve qubit technology, put the equipment on the scale and develop an effective quantum error correction.
Cryptocurrency experts are now considering quantum-resistant encryption methods as a solution. Some blockchain projects are already working on post-health encryption to protect the digital assets of hacks in the future. However, the Bitcoin transition to a quantum-security framework would require global consensus and careful execution to maintain the integrity of the network.
What is the next step for Bitcoin?
Although Microsoft’s breakthrough is not an immediate threat, it has fueled a long -term Bitcoin security debate. Quantum IT is still in its first phases, but the rapid pace of research suggests that the cryptography sector cannot afford a complacency.
Should the cryptographic community have a crucial question: when the preparations for a quantum resistant future should they start? If the projections are correct, the next five to 10 years will be essential to determine whether the largest cryptocurrency in the world remains safe in the face of enormous technological progress.
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