Experts Warn of Accelerated Quantum Threat Due to AI

AI accelerates quantum computing development, threatening cryptography sooner.

Artificial intelligence is accelerating the development of quantum computing and shortening the timeline in which modern cryptography may become vulnerable, according to CoinDesk.

Alex Pruden, head of Project Eleven, stated that machine learning is already being used to optimize error correction—one of the key barriers in creating quantum computers. AI is employed not only for protection but also for identifying vulnerabilities in cryptography and software.

NEAR co-founder Ilya Polosukhin noted that artificial intelligence has been accelerating scientific research for several years. He suggested that the next generation of quantum systems might be developed using AI.

Polosukhin also pointed to a “collect now, decrypt later” scenario: encrypted traffic could be intercepted today with the expectation of future decryption.

The risk is critical for the crypto industry. Most blockchains use elliptic curve cryptography. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could theoretically derive a private key from a public one, compromising wallets.

In Ethereum, the public key is revealed after a transaction is sent, potentially making accounts vulnerable.

In March, Google estimated that breaking 256-bit elliptic curve cryptography would require about 1200 logical qubits—significantly fewer than previous calculations. The corporation plans to transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2029.

In March, the Ethereum Foundation introduced a roadmap to protect the network from quantum computers. Weekly tests are conducted in the ecosystem with more than 10 client teams participating. The basic protective infrastructure is expected to be completed by 2029.

In April, Ripple unveiled a post-quantum readiness roadmap for the XRP Ledger with a target date of 2028. The platform is testing validators in collaboration with Project Eleven.

According to market participants, the key risk is not only quantum computing but also its combination with AI.

Earlier in May, AmericanFortress proposed another method to protect Bitcoin from the quantum threat.