IBM Sets 120-Qubit Quantum Computing Record, Raises Future Bitcoin Encryption Risks

IBM has set a new physics milestone in quantum computing by generating a fully entangled 120-qubit GHZ state on superconducting circuits. The experiment achieved a 0.56 fidelity, surpassing the 0.5 threshold for true entanglement and validating synchronization via statistical parity and direct fidelity estimation. While current quantum computers remain far from breaking modern cryptography, this record signals growing quantum threats to Bitcoin’s SHA-256 and elliptic curve encryption. Independent group Project 11 warns roughly 6.6 million BTC—about $767 billion—could become vulnerable once fault-tolerant quantum computing matures. IBM targets a fault-tolerant Quantum Starling system by 2029. Competitors, including Google’s 105-qubit Willow chip and financial firms testing quantum algorithms, highlight a global quantum race. Traders should monitor quantum computing progress and post-quantum cryptography developments, as breakthroughs may influence Bitcoin security, market sentiment, and long-term price stability.