IBM Unleashes ‘Cat’: 120-Qubit Quantum Leap Signals Imminent Threat to Bitcoin Encryption
IBM has achieved a major quantum computing milestone, developing a 120-qubit entangled quantum state that significantly propels the field closer to a future where current cryptographic systems—like those securing Bitcoin—could be rendered obsolete.
This quantum breakthrough, highlighted in a recent scientific report titled “Big Cats: Entanglement in 120 Qubits and Beyond,” showcases an unprecedented scale of entanglement across all 120 qubits in a single system. The experiment represents the most complex and stable entangled quantum state ever built, marking a critical advance in the race toward practical, fault-tolerant quantum computers.
What Makes the 120-Qubit System Groundbreaking?
Unlike previous quantum developments that relied on smaller or less stable entangled systems, IBM’s new architecture demonstrates genuine multipartite entanglement—where all qubits are interconnected in a single quantum state. This level of entanglement is essential for building quantum computers that can execute powerful algorithms without critical errors, a necessary condition for scaling up quantum performance.
The 120-qubit system, codenamed “Cat,” is part of IBM’s broader roadmap to develop error-corrected, scalable quantum platforms by the late 2020s. The experiment’s success not only validates IBM’s hardware and software stack but also raises serious questions about the longevity of today’s encryption methods, including those embedded in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Why Bitcoin Should Be Concerned
Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies rely on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to secure transactions and wallets. ECC is considered secure against classical computers. However, a sufficiently powerful quantum computer running Shor’s algorithm could, in theory, reverse-engineer private keys from public keys—effectively breaking the backbone of Bitcoin’s security.
While IBM’s current quantum system is not yet capable of executing Shor’s algorithm at the scale required to crack Bitcoin, the new 120-qubit entanglement represents a foundational step in that direction. Experts estimate that breaking Bitcoin would require a quantum computer with thousands—or even millions—of logical qubits, but IBM’s progress suggests this future may arrive sooner than previously thought.
From Theory to Threat: The Timeline Narrows
Quantum computers powerful enough to compromise modern cryptography are still years away. However, the pace of development is accelerating. IBM’s achievement demonstrates that researchers are closing in on building machines capable of running complex quantum algorithms with increasing accuracy and stability.
The key challenge remains error correction. Today’s qubits are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances, which can cause decoherence and loss of information. However, IBM’s entanglement of 120 qubits in a coherent state is a major step toward solving this issue.
Post-Quantum Cryptography: The Emerging Arms Race
In anticipation of a quantum future, researchers and governments have been developing quantum-resistant cryptographic standards. Known as post-quantum cryptography (PQC), these algorithms are designed to withstand attacks from both classical and quantum systems.
Organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are already in the process of standardizing PQC algorithms. However, most cryptocurrency networks, including Bitcoin, have yet to fully implement or test these protocols. If a quantum attack were to become feasible before widespread adoption of PQC, the impact could be catastrophic.
Quantum Readiness in the Crypto Industry
Despite the looming threat, the crypto industry remains largely unprepared. Bitcoin’s reliance on ECC means that any exposure of its public key—such as through a transaction—could make it vulnerable to a quantum attack in the future. While addresses that haven’t broadcasted their public keys are theoretically safe, once a transaction is made, the associated public key becomes visible on the blockchain.
Some newer blockchain projects are experimenting with quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques, but full-scale migration is complex and requires community consensus, protocol updates, and thorough testing.
IBM’s Roadmap and the Future of Quantum Computing
IBM is not alone in the quantum computing race. Companies like Google, IonQ, and Rigetti are also pushing boundaries. However, IBM’s consistent delivery on its roadmap, including previous milestones like the 127-qubit Eagle processor and the 433-qubit Osprey chip, signals it may be taking the lead.
The 120-qubit entanglement experiment is not just a scientific achievement—it’s a proof of concept that large-scale entangled systems are within reach. IBM plans to scale up to 1,000-plus qubits by 2025, and eventually to a million-qubit system capable of practical applications, including cryptographic decryption.
What Happens If Quantum Breaks Bitcoin?
If a quantum computer becomes powerful enough to break Bitcoin’s encryption, the consequences could ripple across the entire financial ecosystem. Wallets could be drained, smart contracts could be rewritten, and trust in decentralized systems could diminish. The very foundation of blockchain immutability would be called into question.
To mitigate this, developers are exploring techniques like quantum key distribution (QKD), hybrid cryptography, and even quantum-secure blockchains. These future-proofing strategies aim to preserve the security and decentralization ethos of blockchain technology in the quantum age.
What Can Bitcoin Users Do Today?
While the quantum threat is not immediate, Bitcoin users and developers should start preparing now:
– Avoid reusing addresses to minimize exposure of public keys.
– Support and monitor efforts to integrate post-quantum cryptography into Bitcoin Core.
– Stay informed about advancements in quantum computing and cryptography.
– Diversify holdings if concerned about long-term crypto security.
The Bottom Line
IBM’s 120-qubit ‘Cat’ experiment is more than a scientific accomplishment—it’s a wake-up call. The age of quantum computing is no longer hypothetical, and the cryptographic foundations of Bitcoin and other digital assets may soon face their greatest test. Whether the crypto industry is ready or not, the countdown to quantum disruption has already begun.