Just 10,000 quantum bits might crack internet encryption schemes

Scientists have discovered that quantum computers may crack internet encryption with far fewer quantum bits than previously thought, requiring just 10,000 qubits instead of millions. Research shows that elliptic curve cryptography could be broken by a quantum computer with 9,988 qubits in about 1,000 days, while 26,000 qubits could crack it in just one day. This dramatic reduction from the previously estimated 20 million qubits is possible thanks to improved quantum error correction techniques, raising urgent concerns about internet security and cryptocurrency protection.