Quantum Could Break Bitcoin Sooner Than We Thought | Alex Pruden

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of recent quantum computing research on Bitcoin and Ethereum, featuring insights from Alex Pruden.

Two new research papers just intensified one of crypto’s most serious long-term risks: quantum computing. In this episode of The Defiant Podcast, Camila Russo sits down with Alex Pruden, co-founder and CEO of Project 11, to unpack what the latest quantum breakthroughs actually mean for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the broader crypto ecosystem. Alex explains why the new papers matter, how quantum computers could use Shor’s algorithm to break the cryptography behind blockchain ownership, why exposed public keys are especially vulnerable, and what “Q-Day” could look like if the industry is unprepared. He also breaks down the difference between theoretical progress and live quantum systems, why some chains may be vulnerable in different ways, and what post-quantum migration could realistically involve. The takeaway: this is not just a technical curiosity. It is a foundational challenge for crypto, and one the industry may need to start addressing now. Topics covered: Why the new quantum papers are a big deal How quantum computers could break Bitcoin and Ethereum Why exposed public keys matter What real-time attacks could look like Whether faster blockchains are safer What post-quantum…

People in this episode

Host: Camila Russo

Guest: Alex Pruden

Topics covered

• quantum computing
• cryptography
• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• blockchain security
• post-quantum migration

Keywords

• quantum computing
• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• cryptography
• Q-Day
• public keys
• Shor's algorithm
• blockchain
• Project 11

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Project 11

Books & works: Bitcoin, Ethereum

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