Google Warns Quantum Computers Could Crack Crypto Sooner Than Expected

Google Quantum AI researchers published findings suggesting that future quantum computers might be able to break elliptic-curve cryptography protecting major blockchains with significantly fewer qubits (potentially under 500,000 physical qubits) than prior estimates, shortening the timeline for quantum risk. The report frames the threat as theoretical today (no current quantum hardware can perform such attacks), highlights wallet/public-key exposure as the primary risk, notes responsible disclosure via zero-knowledge proofs, and urges migration to post-quantum cryptography to future-proof blockchain systems.