CEO of Quantum Giant Issues Bitcoin Warning

D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz has warned that quantum computing will eventually break Bitcoin's proof-of-work protocol.

Alex Dovbnya · 29 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Wire content from U.Today

CEO of Quantum Giant Issues Bitcoin Warning

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By
Alex Dovbnya

Wed, 29/07/2026 – 18:40

D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz has warned that quantum computing will eventually break Bitcoin’s proof-of-work protocol.

CEO of Quantum Giant Issues Bitcoin Warning

Cover image via depositphotos.com

Quantum proof-of-work alternative
Quantum threat still evolving as AI adds new twist

During a Wednesday interview with Yahoo Finance, Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, warned that quantum computing will eventually be capable of breaking Bitcoin’s proof-of-work protocol.

Baratz said it is “clear” that sufficiently advanced quantum machines will one day outperform hardware used for mining the flagship cryptocurrency.

For now, the timeline is unclear, but he argues that the cryptocurrency industry should begin considering quantum-native alternatives before the technology matures.

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Quantum proof-of-work alternative

Baratz also claimed that D-Wave has already demonstrated a new quantum proof-of-work protocol that could serve as a replacement for BTC’s existing mining mechanism.

The protocol relies on quantum optimization problems that can be solved efficiently by quantum systems.

The concept aims to preserve the competitive nature of proof-of-work while simultaneously ensuring that mining remains resistant to attacks.

Quantum threat still evolving as AI adds new twist

Most experts agree that today’s quantum hardware is still far from posing an immediate threat to the network.

The debate has also expanded beyond quantum computing alone in the light of new research from AI company Anthropic. As reported by U.Today, Anthropic’s Claude Mythos Preview model Eve recently discovered previously unknown attacks against deliberately weakened versions of cryptographic algorithms.

The research has fueled discussion over whether increasingly capable AI systems could accelerate cryptographic breakthroughs. Bitcoin evangelist Samson Mow has opined that there’s no need to rush to adopt post-quantum cryptography.

#Quantum Computing
#Bitcoin News