Quantum Could Break Bitcoin Sooner Than We Thought | Alex Pruden

Two new research papers just intensified one of crypto’s most serious long-term risks: quantum computing.

In this episode of The Defiant Podcast, Camila Russo sits down with Alex Pruden, co-founder and CEO of Project 11, to unpack what the latest quantum breakthroughs actually mean for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the broader crypto ecosystem.

Alex explains why the new papers matter, how quantum computers could use Shor’s algorithm to break the cryptography behind blockchain ownership, why exposed public keys are especially vulnerable, and what “Q-Day” could look like if the industry is unprepared. He also breaks down the difference between theoretical progress and live quantum systems, why some chains may be vulnerable in different ways, and what post-quantum migration could realistically involve.

The takeaway: this is not just a technical curiosity. It is a foundational challenge for crypto, and one the industry may need to start addressing now.

Topics covered:

• Why the new quantum papers are a big deal
• How quantum computers could break Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Why exposed public keys matter
• What real-time attacks could look like
• Whether faster blockchains are safer
• What post-quantum cryptography can and can’t solve
• Why Ethereum may be the furthest along in preparing
• What Project 11 is building to help secure crypto before Q-Day