AI Accelerates Quantum Computing Threat to Cryptography, Experts Warn
By Margaux Nijkerk | Edited by Stephen Alpher | May 24, 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly accelerating the development of quantum computing, raising urgent concerns among security experts about the future of cryptography and digital security. Researchers and industry leaders warn that this confluence is compressing timelines once thought distant, forcing a fundamental rethink of how blockchain networks and the broader internet protect data.
The Quantum Threat to Cryptography Moves Closer
For years, the crypto community has debated whether quantum computing poses an existential threat to blockchain technologies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Quantum computers theoretically have the capability to break widely used encryption schemes, including elliptic curve cryptography, which secures most blockchains and internet communications.
Now, experts report that AI is speeding up the arrival of quantum computers powerful enough to jeopardize current cryptographic protections. “The security landscape of the future is going to be different,” said Alex Pruden, CEO of Project Eleven, a company focused on developing quantum-resistant infrastructure for cryptocurrencies. “Between quantum and AI, we’re going to enter a world where you simply cannot rely on the security approaches you’ve always used.”
AI as Both a Catalyst and a Tool in Quantum Advances
AI’s role is multifaceted. It serves as a catalyst accelerating quantum computer development by optimizing engineering processes such as quantum error correction—a notorious bottleneck in quantum hardware reliability.
Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of NEAR Protocol and former Google AI researcher, remarked on AI’s longstanding contribution to scientific progress. “AI is becoming more and more of an accelerator,” he said. “The pace of research is increasing, with breakthroughs emerging sooner than expected.” Polosukhin highlighted the possibility that next-generation quantum computers could be designed using advances driven by AI and existing quantum devices, creating a feedback loop that compounds innovation.
“Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” — Quantum’s Immediate Risk
Security researchers are no longer viewing the quantum threat as purely theoretical. Governments and advanced threat actors may already be capturing encrypted internet traffic today with the expectation of decrypting it in the future once quantum computers become capable—an approach called “harvest now, decrypt later.”
“If quantum computers arrive in just a few years, all data transmitted today—especially that linked to persons of interest—could be decrypted retroactively,” Polosukhin warned. “That’s likely already underway.”
Implications for Blockchain and Digital Infrastructure
The implications for blockchain networks are severe. Since blockchains rely heavily on elliptic curve cryptography, a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could potentially derive private keys from public keys, compromising wallets and smart contracts. This vulnerability threatens the integrity of cryptocurrency systems that underpin trillions of dollars in value.
However, experts emphasize that the larger story is the emerging cybersecurity arms race fueled by both AI and quantum computing. AI is not only accelerating breakthroughs but is increasingly adept at identifying software vulnerabilities and cryptographic weaknesses.
Pruden explained, “AI models are rapidly improving at finding implementation bugs and could eventually break cryptography itself.” Conversely, AI is also deployed defensively to audit code, test security protocols, and improve formal verification processes that mathematically prove software correctness—significantly enhancing the security of post-quantum cryptographic systems.
A New Era of Continuous Security Evolution
This dynamic means that digital security can no longer be static or upgraded only sporadically. “Nothing will remain static going forward,” said Pruden. “Security teams must evolve systems actively to defend against new quantum and AI-powered threats.”
Blockchain platforms recognize this reality: Ethereum, Zcash, Solana, Ripple, and NEAR are among the ecosystems researching or integrating post-quantum cryptography strategies. NEAR recently announced plans to embed post-quantum cryptography into its account infrastructure, enabling users to rotate cryptographic schemes smoothly without moving assets to new wallets. Polosukhin noted, “Back in 2018, we designed NEAR so that quantum readiness would be built in from the start.”
Challenges Ahead: Larger, Slower Post-Quantum Cryptography
Despite these proactive steps, transitioning to post-quantum cryptography remains challenging. Current standards tend to be significantly larger and slower than traditional algorithms, raising performance and scalability concerns.
“The cryptographic primitives standardized for post-quantum security are bulky and can degrade speed,” Polosukhin cautioned, highlighting the work still needed to refine these technologies for widespread adoption.
Redefining a Foundational Assumption of the Digital Age
The fusion of AI and quantum computing threatens a fundamental assumption of the digital era: that encryption remains reliable over long periods. Going forward, security may become a dynamic, adaptive process where systems must continuously upgrade to survive.
As quantum computing and AI evolve in tandem, defenders in the crypto space and beyond must remain vigilant and innovative to protect digital assets and communications.
Related Coverage:
- How Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other networks are preparing for the quantum threat
- Crypto rails becoming default payment layer for AI agents
- Updates on post-quantum cryptography integration in NEAR
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Categories: Artificial Intelligence | Quantum Computing | Cryptocurrency Security | Blockchain Technology
Tags: AI, Quantum Computing, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Blockchain Security, NEAR Protocol, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Cybersecurity