The notion that quantum computing poses an imminent threat to bitcoin's security has been a topic of discussion in recent times. However, academic research suggests that the energy requirements for such an attack are astronomical, making it virtually impossible.
Two recent papers highlight the challenges of using quantum computers to attack the bitcoin blockchain, with one estimating that the energy required would be equivalent to a small star. Another paper pokes fun at the idea of quantum factoring breakthroughs by replicating them using a 1981 home computer and a dog.
The researchers argue that the threats posed by quantum computers are often exaggerated and that the real vulnerability lies in bitcoin wallets, not mining. While the threat is real, it is still constrained by the limits of physics, and developers are working on fixes to mitigate the risk.