Can artificial intelligence really hack Bitcoin? It’s a question new users often ask – and the truth is both reassuring and alarming in equal measure.
On a technical level, Bitcoin’s core is built on cryptographic algorithms so robust they remain mathematically unbreakable. “AI alone cannot break Bitcoin’s encryption,” Jayjit Biswas, Elite Web3 Forum Founder, told The Crypto Radio. “Its core security is built on robust cryptographic algorithms that are mathematically secure.”
Even the most powerful machine models today “lack the capacity to reverse-engineer private keys from public addresses or hashes,” he added. “Doing so would take millions of years with current hardware.”
But while the blockchain itself stands firm, the real threat lies elsewhere.
AI’s real danger: social engineering
Biswas noted, “AI exploits human behavior, not Bitcoin’s math – making social engineering, phishing, and impersonation the real threats.”
“They can impersonate others and swindle you out of fiat or crypto,” Alex Fatuliaj, Co-founder of Simplicity Group, told The Crypto Radio.
AI is supercharging crypto crime. CertiK reported more than $2.1 billion stolen in 2025, mostly through wallet compromises and AI-assisted phishing. CrowdStrike noted a 44% rise in voice-based scams late last year, as deepfake audio becomes more convincing. And researchers are now testing how tools like ChatGPT could help automate phishing schemes from start to finish.
Scammers are no longer sticking to scripts. According to Jameson Lopp, Co-founder and Chief Security Officer at CasaHODL, deepfake tools allow them to adapt their responses in real time – making social engineering harder to detect.
What AI can and can’t do
Despite AI’s ability to mimic human behaviour, “it lacks the computing power to guess seed phrases or private keys on its own,” Lopp said.
“The possible combinations for a 12- or 24-word seed phrase are astronomically large,” Biswas added. “These are mathematically uncrackable by brute force, even with AI.”
That said, Biswas cautioned that the risk isn’t in guessing – it’s in how users handle their keys. “If they unknowingly expose it by typing it into an AI chatbot or cloud app, storing screenshots, or clicking fake wallet apps or extensions made with AI,” he said, the damage is already done.
AI vs quantum computing
While today’s risks come mostly from AI-enabled scams, some experts are looking ahead to a different kind of threat – one that could eventually break the cryptography Bitcoin relies on: quantum computing.
AI could “be used to accelerate development of quantum computers that could eventually hack Bitcoin,” Lopp cautioned.
Unlike AI, which attacks users, quantum computing targets the encryption itself. “It could nullify cryptography and make all of crypto and everything else digital completely useless,” Fatuliaj said. “Bitcoin can’t upgrade to prevent quantum threats.”
Quantum computing “presents a future mathematical threat to Bitcoin’s underlying encryption that is not yet practical or urgent,” Biswas warned. “AI attacks users; quantum could attack the blockchain itself.”
It is an entirely “new hardware that excels at specific tasks, including running algorithms that can reverse-engineer Bitcoin private keys from public keys on the blockchain,” Lopp said. “If developed, such a computer could put a large amount of BTC at risk of theft.”
Even so, Fatuliaj pointed out that quantum computing remains in its infancy. Microsoft’s recent chip may be a step forward, but it’s not something most users need to worry about – yet.
“We don’t know how many years it will be before quantum computers become powerful enough to harm Bitcoin,” Lopp said.
Preparing for post-quantum threats
Quantum computing may still be years away, but Bitcoin developers are already exploring ways to protect the network if it ever becomes a real threat.
“There are proposals for new digital signature schemes such as Schnorr signatures (already part of the Taproot upgrade) and Lattice-based cryptography and other quantum-safe algorithms,” Biswas said.
If needed, Bitcoin could go through a major update to switch to more advanced security. This kind of change is known as a fork – it’s when the network agrees to adopt new rules that improve or adjust how it works.
“If quantum computing becomes a threat, Bitcoin could fork to stronger cryptography, with its decentralized developers closely monitoring the situation,” he explained.
It wouldn’t be a quick fix, but many in the community believe the network could adapt if the risk ever becomes urgent.
How to stay safe
While Bitcoin’s developers are preparing for future threats, users still need to protect themselves from the risks that already exist today.
Artificial intelligence can be useful when handled with care. “It can help you monitor your wallet activity for unusual behaviour, flag suspicious links or phishing attempts, and automate portfolio tracking and alerts,” Biswas said.
But Lopp warned against trusting it too much. Users should not “entrust AI with any sensitive security related matters like managing private keys because LLMs make lots of mistakes,” he said.
“AI platforms are not designed for secure custody and can leak or be exploited. You can use AI for information and management, but not for storage or control of funds,” Biswas added.
He shared basic steps new users can take to protect themselves from AI-enhanced fraud. “Never share your seed phrase or private key with anyone or any AI.”
He also advised users to “avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, even from people we think we know.”
“Verify wallet addresses, use official apps, enable multi-factor authentication, avoid urgent scams; stay educated and updated on crypto threats,” Biswas added.
So, can AI hack Bitcoin? Not directly. But it’s already finding other ways in.
Leave a Reply