Todays Top Stories

Editor: @PhoenixxDown

Does Willow Threaten Bitcoin?

Google’s latest breakthrough in quantum computing, the Willow chip, has sparked fears about the potential threat it could pose to Bitcoin’s cryptographic security.

There’s been quite a bit of fearmongering on the timeline, even from notable learned scholars such as the sugary drinks merchant, KSI, who indulged in some speculative doom-saying. Thankfully, concerns about Willow’s ability to disrupt Bitcoin’s cryptography appear, for now, to be overstated.

Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

First off, what is Willow?

It’s Google’s latest quantum processing unit that boasts 105 qubits and incorporates advanced error-correction techniques, marking a milestone in quantum computing. By resolving computational problems in five minutes—problems that would take classical supercomputers 10 septillion years to solve—Willow demonstrates the practical potential of quantum machines.

Naturally, some fear that quantum computing could undermine cryptographic systems, including Bitcoin’s blockchain.

Could Willow Crack Bitcoin?

While this advancement promises transformative applications in fields like medicine and artificial intelligence, and that’s great—let’s be honest, you’re here to find out if your wallet is about to get nuked.

Bitcoin's security is underpinned by two key cryptographic algorithms:

• SHA-256: Secures the blockchain’s proof-of-work mechanism.

• ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm): Protects private keys and ensures transaction authenticity.

To compromise Bitcoin’s network, a quantum computer would need to break these encryption schemes. However, most agree that Willow’s 105 qubits fall vastly short of this capability. Estimates suggest that decrypting Bitcoin’s private keys in a reasonable timeframe would require a quantum computer with millions of qubits—orders of magnitude beyond Willow's capacity.

For context:

• SHA-256 would require Grover’s algorithm and millions of error-free qubits to pose a credible threat.

• ECDSA, slightly more vulnerable, might be cracked using Shor’s algorithm, but that too demands a quantum system with 1–13 million physical qubits.

Willow is a remarkable step forward, but it remains a teaspoon in an ocean compared to the computational heft required to undermine Bitcoin.

Preparations Are Underway

With all that said, the Bitcoin community is not blind to the quantum threat. Developers have explored several strategies to safeguard the network against future advances in quantum computing:

1. Post-Quantum Cryptography: Bitcoin can integrate quantum-resistant algorithms, such as lattice-based cryptography or hash-based one-time signatures.

2. Network Upgrades: Protocol enhancements like Taproot and Schnorr signatures are already improving Bitcoin’s resilience.

3. Decentralized Adaptability: Bitcoin’s open-source and decentralized nature ensures the network can evolve and implement upgrades collectively.

Should You Be Worried?

While there is no immediate threat, experts project that quantum computers capable of threatening Bitcoin remain 15–20 years away. The crypto community has ample time to adapt to quantum-resistant technologies before such a threat materializes.

Quantum computing’s rise does highlight the importance of proactive measures in Bitcoin’s development, but it doesn’t spell doom.

The Satoshi Nakamoto AI account, $CYPHER, wisely noted in the thread below, Bitcoin’s "thermodynamic reality" and decentralized design mean that even if quantum computing advances faster than expected, the network can evolve to withstand the challenge. And he’s absolutely correct.

Bitcoin’s fortress holds strong.

Top Posts | $ME Claim Starts At 14:00 GMT/09:00 EST

Top Stories | Binance Lists $ME!

Top Posts | Have SOL Ready For Your $ME Claim

Top Posts | Jack Lu Continues To Outline Vision For Magic Eden

Top Posts | Hell Money Podcast is Back

Top Posts | Yet Another Xverse Update!

Daily Bites: Today’s Top Articles

Todays Markets

Another Macro Monday live stream with @CryptoLandy:

Ordinals

On this momentous $ME airdrop day, the top 5 collections remain largely stable. However, there has been one notable shakeup: OMB has dropped out of the rankings, while Natcats has surged into 3rd place following its strong performance yesterday.

Price movements across the board have been minimal, with only slight increases or decreases. Tomorrow’s edition, however, is shaping up to be far more eventful. Will we witness a significant wave of buying pressure hitting the market as a result of the airdrop?

The bottom half of the charts sees more notable action:

• CENTS has re-entered the rankings.

• Pizza Ninjas makes a return, bolstered by their historic inscription of the largest-ever inscription.

• Wizards of Ord also reclaims prominence. After being stuck in a price range for months, they’ve finally broken out, showing new momentum.

I reiterate, Wizards of Ord is a collection to watch. The founder, Lifofifo, has a strong track record, notably as the creator of RuneBlaster, demonstrating genuine talent in building.

Meanwhile, Quantum Cats finds itself absent from the top 10 for the first time in a long while, now sitting at 17th. Despite this, it continues to hold steady at its 0.2 stablecoin floor.

Runes

A relatively normal day for Runes, led by DOG topping the chart once again. However, DOG has seen a sharp decline from Sunday’s $970M market cap.

Other highlights include:

• PUPS remains stuck around the 250 sats range, unable to break higher for long.

• BDC fares better, holding firm at the 120 sats level.

Notice Me Senpai continues its impressive streak, nearing the $3M market cap mark. This Rune benefits from backing by several high-profile KOLs, though their influence can be a double-edged sword depending on how they feel from one week to the next.

Taproot Alpha unexpectedly claims the 5th spot today. This OG community Rune has shown unusual price action, sparking speculation. Some believe announcements may be on the horizon, but outsiders should approach with caution for now.

The bottom half of the Rune rankings is business as usual, with mid-caps propping up the top 10. These likely go crazy if the top 3 catch a huge bid from the $ME airdrop in just an hours time.

Unlike its peers, RSIC isn’t wholly reliant on market-wide pumps. Its real potential lies in the anticipation of Season 2, which, if announced, could drive a substantial rally.

Todays Opportunities

Giveaways

Join the Discord below and make sure you have notifications on so you don’t miss out when the next ones go live!