BlueQubit just launched the Quantum Advantage Challenge, offering 0.25 BTC (~$22,500) if someone can uncover a private key hidden inside a specially designed quantum optimized cryptographic problem. The challenge is meant to demonstrate quantum advantage a task where a quantum computer could outperform classical machines.
Quantum computing poses a potential threat to Bitcoin’s underlying cryptography, particularly the elliptic curve algorithms that secure private keys. While large scale quantum attacks are still theoretical, experiments like this help researchers understand the practical limits and prepare for a future where such technology could exist.
Even if no one cracks the key, challenges like this push the boundaries of both quantum hardware and software, offering real benchmarks for what current quantum systems can achieve. It also encourages collaboration between cryptographers, developers, and researchers to anticipate vulnerabilities before they become a real world problem.
At the same time, Coinbase has formed a quantum advisory board board to assess potential risks to crypto networks, including Bitcoin, from emerging quantum computing technologies. This is one of the clearest examples yet of Bitcoin and cutting edge tech intersecting in the real world.
For Bitcoin holders and developers, the challenge is a reminder that security is never static. As technology evolves, so must the strategies to protect digital assets, which makes real world tests like this both fascinating and necessary.
Is this challenge a meaningful step toward testing Bitcoin security, or just a flashy stunt to grab attention?
https://btcpuzzle.info/
We already have a whole bunch of low entropy keys just waiting to be stollen here. As I understand they get more difficult with the amount of Bitcoin in the address.
True, btcpuzzle.info is a real world test of brute force limits long before quantum computers arrive.
It’s the math not the BTC that sets the challenge. Low entropy keys are what make it feasible.
Pollard's Kangaroo is faster than brute force
What's that?
Pollard's Kangaroo is an algorithm for solving the discrete logarithm problem (or in the Bitcoin case: solving the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem (ECDLP)) where you already know that the secret scalar you are trying to find is within a certain range.
Q=k∗G
You know Q (the public key)
You know G (the generator point of secp256k1)
You are trying to find k (the private key)
The time complexity of Pollard's Kangaroo is O(n)
The time complexity of a naive brute force search is O(n)
Pollard’s Kangaroo is a classical algorithm It’s useful if you’re doing a classical attack on a known range of private keys, but it’s nowhere near as fast as what a quantum computer could theoretically do.
Maybe first they should focus on factoring 16, instead of trying to jump all the way to a bitcoin key?
Yeah, so ridiculous how people make a fuss about quantum computers when they cannot even factor such small numbers.
Exactly! It’s ironic people hype quantum breakthroughs like they’ll break Bitcoin tomorrow, but these machines struggle with tiny numbers.
True,Quantum experiments aiming at Bitcoin are ambitious starting with simpler factoring problems first would provide clearer benchmarks for progress.
Seems like the reward is the bitcoin
Yip, looks like the prize itself is the ultimate motivation 😄
Could quantum computers actually crack Bitcoin keys anytime soon?
Probably not for years, but it’s smart to start thinking ahead.
Will be funny when it is cracked via classical computer or social engineering.
Seems like a very smart way to test quantum limits while keeping Bitcoin security in check
Agreed,pushes tech forward without putting Bitcoin at immediate risk.