Source: The Block
“Independent researcher Giancarlo Lelli derived a 15-bit elliptic curve key using a publicly accessible quantum computer, in what Project Eleven called the ‘largest quantum attack’ on elliptic curve cryptography to date, albeit at a scale far below that used in real-world cryptographic systems. Project Eleven, a post-quantum security startup, awarded a 1 BTC bounty, currently worth over $78,000, to Lelli as part of its ‘Q-Day Prize.’ The bounty program was launched last year by the project to break elliptic-curve keys ranging from 1 to 25 bits before April 5 this year. … Bitcoin uses 256-bit elliptic curve cryptography to secure wallets, which is far larger than the 15-bit key broken in this demonstration.” (04/24/26)