Musk Probes Bitcoin Quantum Risk as IBM Plans 2,000 Qubits

Elon Musk used his AI chatbot Grok to probe Bitcoin’s quantum computing risk and the durability of SHA-256 encryption. Drawing on studies from NIST, IBM and expert surveys, Grok estimates the chance of a quantum attack at near zero over the next five years and under 10% before 2035. Current quantum systems operate around 1,000 qubits — far short of the millions needed for Grover’s algorithm. IBM’s Blue Jay project targets 2,000 qubits by 2033, while Google and Microsoft advance rival platforms. A Deloitte report warns that up to 25% of Bitcoin could become vulnerable without adopting post-quantum cryptography. The Bitcoin network may need to upgrade from SHA-256 to stronger hash functions like SHA-3 or SHA-512, or implement other quantum-resistant protocols. With Tesla and SpaceX holding over $2 billion in Bitcoin, security concerns remain critical for major investors. Traders should monitor quantum computing advances and any protocol upgrade proposals to safeguard long-term network security.