Shor's Algorithm and the Quantum Threat

Shor's algorithm, published by Peter Shor in 1994, proves that quantum computers can break most current cryptography in polynomial time. This is why the SynX quantum-resistant wallet uses post-quantum algorithms.

What Shor's Algorithm Does

Shor's algorithm efficiently solves two problems:

• Integer Factorization: Breaking RSA encryption
• Discrete Logarithm: Breaking Diffie-Hellman and ECDSA

Classical vs. Quantum Complexity

Cryptocurrencies at Risk

How the Attack Works

For ECDSA (used by Bitcoin/Ethereum):

1. Public key is point P on elliptic curve
2. Private key k satisfies: Public = k × Generator
3. Shor's algorithm finds k from the public key
4. Attacker can now forge signatures and steal funds

Timeline to Threat

Expert estimates vary:

• Conservative: 15-20 years for cryptographically relevant quantum computers
• Moderate: 10-15 years
• Aggressive: 5-10 years

Why Migrate Now?

Reasons not to wait:

• "Harvest now, decrypt later": Data intercepted today can be broken when quantum computers arrive
• Blockchain permanence: Transaction signatures are stored forever
• Migration complexity: Better to prepare before crisis

How SynX Resists Shor's Algorithm

The SynX quantum-resistant wallet uses algorithms Shor's cannot break:

• Kyber: Based on lattice problems, not factoring/discrete log
• SPHINCS+: Based on hash functions, no algebraic structure
• No known quantum algorithm threatens these approaches

Frequently Asked Questions

When will quantum computers run Shor's algorithm?

Unknown precisely. Current quantum computers have ~1000 qubits. Breaking Bitcoin needs ~4000+ logical qubits with error correction.

Will I lose my Bitcoin when quantum computers arrive?

If you haven't moved to quantum-resistant storage, possibly. The SynX quantum-resistant wallet provides protection now.