As digital currencies go, Bitcoin is pretty secure. But that doesn’t mean it’s unhackable.

In fact, there’s a new breed of quantum computers that could potentially crack Bitcoin’s cryptography. So is Bitcoin quantum resistant?.

Here’s a look at how quantum computers work and whether or not they pose a threat to Bitcoin.

What is a quantum computer?

A quantum computer is a powerful machine that can solve certain problems much faster than a traditional computer. That’s because a quantum computer can be in multiple states simultaneously, whereas a traditional computer can only be in one state at a time.

This means that a quantum computer can perform several calculations at once. That makes them particularly well-suited for tasks like factorization, which is when you break down a large number into its smaller prime factors.

Factorization is the basis for public key cryptography, which is what secures Bitcoin (and other cryptocurrencies). So if a quantum computer could factorize large numbers quickly, it could potentially crack Bitcoin’s encryption and steal funds from wallets.

Are quantum computers a threat to Bitcoin?

Right now, quantum computers are still in their infancy. They’re large, expensive, and require special conditions to work properly (like supercooled environments).

But as they become more advanced, they could pose a real threat to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Fortunately, the team behind Bitcoin is aware of the threat posed by quantum computers. They’re already working on ways to make the cryptocurrency quantum resistant.

For example, they’re developing new cryptographic algorithms that would be much more difficult for a quantum computer to break.

So while quantum computers are a potential threat to Bitcoin, it’s one that the cryptocurrency is already preparing for. In the meantime, your Bitcoins are safe from this particular type of hacker.