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Google Warns Quantum Computers Could Crack Cryptographic Systems Sooner Than Expected

Google Warns Quantum Computers Could Crack Cryptographic Systems Sooner Than Expected

Researchers highlight reduced computing requirements for breaking digital asset encryption.

Written by Rahul Dhingra, Edited by David Delima | Updated: 31 March 2026 17:39 IST

Google Warns Quantum Computers Could Crack Cryptographic Systems Sooner Than Expected

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Solen Feyissa

New findings point to increased feasibility of future attacks on crypto systems

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Highlights

Study suggests lower resources needed for encryption attacks
Crypto security timeline may be shorter than expected
Push grows for adoption of quantum-safe cryptography

Quantum computers may require far less computational power than previously estimated to break encryption, according to new research from Google. The study suggests that cryptographic systems could be more vulnerable than earlier projections indicated. This has raised fresh concerns across the crypto industry, as advances in quantum computing may accelerate the timeline for potential attacks on widely used encryption standards and challenge the long-term security of blockchain-based systems globally.

Study Signals Faster Timeline for Quantum Threats to Cryptography

The study indicates that preconceived notions about the amount of processing power required to crack encryption, especially those safeguarding digital assets, may have been exaggerated. Google researchers indicate that advances in quantum error correction and algorithm efficiency could reduce the scale of quantum systems required, bringing the threat timeline closer than previously projected.

According to Google's research paper, "resource estimates can be significantly reduced" and "improved techniques could make such attacks more feasible," suggesting that quantum advancements could lower barriers to attacking cryptographic systems. The researchers added that understanding these vulnerabilities early is critical to ensuring that “cryptographic systems remain secure against future quantum adversaries.”

Bitcoin Price Hovers Around $67,000 as Crypto Market Consolidates

The warning comes at a time when concerns around crypto security are already rising. More than $75 billion (roughly Rs. 6,65,000 crore) worth of cryptocurrency is connected to illegal activity, according to a report published in October 2025 by blockchain analytics company Chainalysis, highlighting the scope of the ecosystem's risks. The report also highlighted the vulnerabilities and transparency of digital asset networks by pointing out that a sizable portion of these funds are still traceable on public blockchains.

Google emphasised that in order to give the industry time to switch to quantum-resistant security measures, responsible disclosure of such vulnerabilities is crucial. The risks described in the report are also a sign for the crypto ecosystem to act before these theoretical risks materialise into actual threats as the race for scalable quantum computing continues.

Cryptocurrency is an unregulated digital currency, not a legal tender and subject to market risks. The information provided in the article is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice, trading advice or any other advice or recommendation of any sort offered or endorsed by NDTV. NDTV shall not be responsible for any loss arising from any investment based on any perceived recommendation, forecast or any other information contained in the article.

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Further reading: Cryptocurrency, Google, crypto news

Rahul Dhingra

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Rahul Dhingra is a crypto writer at Gadgets 360, where he covers the exciting world of Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, Defi and Web3. Before joining Gadgets 360, he worked as a content specialist for a European-based Crypto Exchange. Rahul loves storytelling, not just through the written word but also through the visual medium. Beyond his professional life, Rahul is a sports fanatic. Whether it’s cricket or football, his passion for the game is contagious. More