EXCLUSIVE: Researchers from @EthereumFndn, @StarkWareLtd and others halve the estimated quantum attack cost on $BTC and $ETH, reducing the computational requirement by 50%+ from Google's March benchmark using AI agents to accelerate optimization.

What happened

Researchers from the Ethereum Foundation, StarkWare, and others reduced the estimated cost of a quantum attack on Bitcoin and Ethereum by more than 50% compared to Google's March benchmark, using AI agents to speed up optimization.

Confirmed

Global impact / market context

A lower quantum attack cost means these cryptocurrencies could become more vulnerable to future quantum computers, which are powerful machines that could break current encryption. This may pressure developers to adopt quantum-resistant security measures sooner, affecting investor confidence and asset values.

Analyst inference

This news comes amid growing attention on quantum computing risks to digital assets. If investors perceive higher vulnerability, they might demand stronger security or shift funds to assets with better quantum defenses, potentially influencing BTC and ETH prices and the broader crypto market.

Analyst inference

What to watch

1. Watch for official responses from Bitcoin and Ethereum development teams regarding quantum risk mitigation, as their actions will directly influence how the market assesses the severity of this reduced attack cost. Confirmed
2. Investors should monitor any new research or proposals for quantum-resistant upgrades to BTC and ETH, as successful implementation could reduce long-term vulnerability and support asset valuations. Proposed
3. Track whether other cryptocurrencies or blockchain projects announce similar quantum cost assessments, as a broader trend could shift investor preference toward networks with stronger quantum security features. Analyst inference

Affected assets

• BTC — Bitcoin
• ETH — Ethereum

Evidence

• x.com