Quantum Computing Threat to Bitcoin: $1.7 Trillion at Stake as 1 BTC Bounty Challenges Cryptography

A groundbreaking quantum computing breakthrough could pose a significant threat to Bitcoin’s cryptographic security, potentially endangering nearly $1.7 trillion in digital assets. In response, Project 11 has launched a 1 BTC bounty challenge, inviting teams to test the resilience of Bitcoin’s elliptic curve cryptography against quantum attacks. The deadline for submissions is April 5, 2026, with the goal of safeguarding over $500 billion worth of BTC.

Quantum Computing Threat to Bitcoin: BTC Bounty Announced to Test Cryptography

A quantum computing breakthrough could undermine Bitcoin’s cryptography securing nearly $1.7 trillion in assets. Project 11 has announced a 1 BTC bounty for the first team to break a simplified version of Bitcoin’s elliptic curve cryptography using a quantum computer. The deadline for the Q-Day Prize is April 5, 2026, with the mission to protect over $500 billion worth of BTC.

Potential Risks to Bitcoin Wallets from ESP32 Chip Vulnerability

A critical security vulnerability is raising alarms in the crypto community, particularly affecting Bitcoin wallets that rely on the China ESP32 chip. The risk posed by CVE-2025-27840 emphasizes a need for users to rethink their security practices while engaging with cryptocurrency. Attackers can use various methods to gain access to the private key data of Bitcoin wallets through ESP32, warned experts from Crypto Deep Tech. This vulnerability in ESP32 chips, crafted by a leading Chinese technology company, threatens the security of Bitcoin wallets due to its widespread adoption in embedded systems.

Binance Assisting Governments with Crypto Regulations

Binance is now aiding multiple governments with crypto regulations and national Bitcoin reserve considerations. CEO Richard Teng praised the US for its crypto-friendly stance, inspiring other nations. Despite past legal issues, Binance and CZ are now advising Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan on crypto regulation. This comes after US President Trump announced plans to establish a digital asset regulatory framework and a Bitcoin national reserve.

Bitcoin Stalls at $85K Amid Trump-Powell Tension

Bitcoin (BTC) was hovering just below $85,000 late Thursday as the ongoing dispute between U.S. President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell injected further uncertainty into the markets. Markets declined on Wednesday following hawkish statements from Powell, who criticized Trump’s tariffs policy, warning of potential economic slowdown and rising prices, known as stagflation. Powell emphasized his current focus on controlling prices, hinting at a tighter Fed policy than previously anticipated. Trump, who appointed Powell as Fed chair during his first term (later extended by President Biden), has expressed dissatisfaction with Powell since reclaiming the presidency.

The 10 Public Companies With the Biggest Bitcoin Portfolios

For many years, the idea that publicly traded corporations might buy Bitcoin for their reserves was considered laughable. The top cryptocurrency was considered too volatile, too fringe to be embraced by any serious business. That taboo has been well and truly broken, with a number of major institutional investors buying up Bitcoin in recent years. The floodgates first opened when cloud software company Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) bought $425 million worth of Bitcoin in August and September 2020. Others followed suit, including payments processor Block and electric car manufacturer Tesla. Per BitcoinTreasuries, public companies holding Bitcoin now account for 3.3% of the total supply of 21 million BTC. These are the biggest holders as of recent data.