With quantum computing making major strides, even the most futuristic minds in tech are starting to ask some serious questions—Elon Musk included.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO recently took to his AI chatbot, Grok, to explore whether Bitcoin’s security could hold up in a quantum-powered world.
This curiosity isn’t random. IBM just announced an ambitious new quantum system called Blue Jay, and Musk seems to be keeping an eye on how such advancements could affect his companies’ crypto investments.
Musk Asks Grok: Is Bitcoin Still Safe?
The question Musk posed to Grok was simple but loaded: How likely is it that Bitcoin’s encryption—specifically its SHA-256 hashing algorithm—could be cracked by future quantum computers?
Grok, ever the confident AI assistant, reassured him that the risk is extremely low… at least for now.
According to current projections, the chance of a successful quantum attack on Bitcoin remains virtually zero for the next five years.
But things shift slightly when we look further out. By 2035, Grok estimates the probability edges up—though it still stays below 10%.
These figures are based on evaluations by institutions like NIST, IBM, and insights from top cryptography experts.
Why the Concern Now?
Musk’s question comes at a time when big tech players are making real progress in quantum computing.
Google is working on a platform called Willow, and Microsoft is developing Majorana 1.
These quantum systems, while not there yet, are part of a race that could eventually reshape digital security—including blockchain.
At the moment, quantum computers hover around 1,000 qubits.
That’s still far below the millions of error-corrected qubits required to break Bitcoin’s cryptographic armor.
But Musk clearly believes it’s worth thinking a few steps ahead.
Grok Suggests Backup Plans for Bitcoin
In his chat with Musk, Grok also brought up possible fallback options.
If quantum computing ever gets strong enough to crack SHA-256, Bitcoin could move to stronger algorithms—SHA-3 or SHA-512, for instance.
These would offer tougher resistance to quantum threats.
In other words, there’s still a plan B (and C) on the table if it becomes necessary.
Deloitte Warns That the Clock Might Be Ticking
A report from Deloitte adds some urgency to the conversation.
The global firm estimates that about 25% of all existing Bitcoins could be vulnerable to quantum theft unless new cryptographic protections are put in place.
Their analysis warns that as quantum systems evolve, they could eventually disrupt the entire Bitcoin transaction process.
The only real solution? A complete overhaul of the system using post-quantum cryptography, which is still in the early stages of development.
IBM’s Blue Jay Raises the Stakes
IBM’s new project, Blue Jay, is setting a bold tone for the next phase of quantum computing.
By 2033, it’s expected to deliver 2,000 global qubits and more than a billion gate operations—a leap far beyond what today’s tech can manage.
It’s part of IBM’s broader push to dominate the quantum race by the early 2030s.
And with Google and Microsoft close behind, the pressure is on.
Musk’s Financial Stake Adds to the Interest
This isn’t just theoretical for Musk. Tesla holds around 11,500 Bitcoins, currently valued at over $1.3 billion. SpaceX has its own stash, reportedly worth $850 million.
And Musk himself has publicly stated he owns Bitcoin personally.
So when he asks whether quantum computing could break Bitcoin, it’s not just curiosity—it’s also about protecting billions in digital assets.
The Bigger Picture for Crypto Security
Musk’s exchange with Grok highlights a growing concern in tech circles: how to future-proof digital finance in the age of quantum machines.
While there’s no reason to panic now, the conversation has clearly begun—and it’s not going away anytime soon.
For now, Bitcoin seems safe. But if quantum computing continues accelerating at this pace, the crypto world might need to evolve—and fast.