While Bitcoin continues to show resilience, the scientific community is making revelations that strongly agitate the quantum threat. South Korean and Chinese researchers have reportedly discovered an extraordinary superconductor dubbed LK-99, a material that can be used to create quantum laptops that can crack BTC private keys very easily. If confirmed, this discovery could open a new page in the history of cryptography and sound the death knell for the most powerful cryptocurrency in the world. Should this superconductor be considered a threat to cryptography? Answer.
LK-99, the superconductor that could bury Bitcoin
According to the scientific paper “The First Room-Temperature Ambient-Pressure Superconductor” published on July 22, 2023 by Asian researchers, the superconductor LK-99 could put the question of the quantum threat on the table.
Unlike other superconductors, this material can allow electricity to flow without resistance at room temperature and standard air pressure. It will offer perfect electrical conductivity, without the need to bring its temperature to zero. The LK-99 thus becomes practical for daily uses, promising up to 20% of electrical power in applications.
While researchers continue to perform tests to confirm the viability of LK-99, the extraordinary potential of such a superconductor should not be overlooked.
The LK-99 is indeed capable of revolutionizing the world of technology, that of quantum computing, transport, health, metallurgy, etc. But more importantly, it is believed that there may be consequences for cryptography and Bitcoin with quantum computers?
The possible consequences of LK-99 on cryptography
For the moment, researchers have not confirmed the superconductivity of LK-99. However, on X (formerly Twitter) as on Reddit, discussions are going well on the subject. But if the information indicated in the initial scientific article is confirmed, LK-99 could crack BTC private keys with important implications for the future of crypto.
Indeed, many believe that this new quantum revolution will allow the production and commercialization of a new range of quantum computers powered by this revolutionary superconductor.
We will therefore witness the marketing of ASIC machines integrating innovative circuits capable of cracking the private keys of BTC in a few seconds. Anything that would dig the grave of the ultimate parent cryptocurrency.
In fact, let’s take a look at what crypto looks like. The length of BTC private keys is currently 256 bits. These keys consist of 64 characters. To find a key, you must therefore try 2256 or 1664 combination possibilities. With such an advanced level of encryption, it normally takes many billions of years for a typical computer to successfully crack a BTC private key.
But quantum computers have nothing to do with current computers. These little monsters are several million times more powerful and faster than computers currently on the market.
In this sense, one could really fear that the confirmation of the enormous potential of the LK-99 superconductor would cause a reduction in the superpower of cryptography and the security of BTC private keys. However, is it really possible for computers incorporating specific circuits and powered by the LK-99 to break the cryptography?
Advent of LK-99: what risks for the security of Bitcoin private keys?
While it is true that LK-99 sparks an exceptional revolution in the world of technology and electronics, its impact on cryptography may not be as great as some try to make it out to be.
As proof, if it takes billions of years for current machines to manage to break a BTC private key, it will still take several million years for an ASIC machine powered by LK-99 to achieve the same feat.
However, since the crypto world is already aware of the existence of a probable existential threat to Bitcoin, encryption standards will be adequately reinforced to preserve the inviolability of private crypto keys. For example, more robust encryption standards such as AES-512 can be implemented.
LK-99 Coin achieves over 3 million trading volume in 24h
While the crypto community has yet to cave to the thought that the superconductor discovered by scientists could pose a threat to cryptography, token creators have quickly taken advantage of the buzz created around the LK-99 idea and concept. .
Indeed, just after the publication of the news relating to the discovery of LK-99, a token was born and just as quickly made people talk about it on trading platforms.
This is the memecoin LK-99, which has become a real phenomenon in the universe of memecoins by achieving a trading volume of more than 3 million dollars in just 24 hours of trading.
Obviously, this hype will only last for a moment. As is usually the case with memecoins, the pump and dump phenomenon will repeat itself a few days later, leaving behind just a handful of dust.
Just take a look at decentralized crypto exchanges like Uniswap to realize this. The famous memecoin LK-99 seems to be worth almost nothing and is no longer the subject of any speculation.
However, at this stage, the scientists have not yet published the final conclusions of their research on the superconductor. In any case, whether LK-99 is a reality or not, fears about its implications for the future of crypto seem a bit overblown.
And if there were even reason to be concerned about the matter, it will be at least a decade before quantum computers become a reality. Until then, crypto would certainly not be at the level it is at now.
The theory of short- and medium-term threat is therefore ruled out. However, the debate is still on. Even if LK-99 ultimately turns out to be non-viableit may be necessary to prepare for the phenomenon of quantum computers.
Receive a digest of news in the world of cryptocurrencies by subscribing to our new service of daily and weekly so you don’t miss any of the essential Tremplin.io!
