Alex Pruden: Quantum computing threatens elliptic curve cryptography, advancements could lead to utility-scale systems by decade's end, and the urgent need for post-quantum security solutions | Unchained - Crypto Briefing

Alex Pruden warns that current quantum computing advancements threaten to break elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), the backbone of modern blockchain and digital security systems, within years. Utility-scale quantum systems—capable of solving real-world problems—could emerge by 2030, accelerating risks to classical encryption methods like ECC and RSA. The crypto industry faces urgent pressure to adopt post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards, as quantum attacks could compromise wallets, smart contracts, and decentralized networks. Governments and enterprises are racing to implement PQC solutions, but adoption remains slow due to complexity and legacy system dependencies. Pruden emphasizes proactive migration to quantum-resistant algorithms, stressing that delays could leave critical infrastructure vulnerable to future quantum-driven breaches.