IBM CEO warns "3 years left until quantum attack"...Jim Cramer sells Bitcoin (BTC)

▲ Quantum computer, Bitcoin (BTC), bear market/AI generated image

Following a warning about quantum computers from IBM's CEO, CNBC host Jim Cramer announced his intention to sell Bitcoin (BTC). He reversed his previous stance, which had evaluated Bitcoin as a valuable asset to hold in a portfolio.

According to cryptocurrency media outlet TheStreet on August 3 (local time), Cramer referred to the warning from IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, stating, "I will sell Bitcoin." He acknowledged that Bitcoin supporters might disagree but expressed trust in Krishna's judgment, saying, "Krishna knows both Bitcoin and quantum computers."

In a CNBC 'Mad Money' interview on July 31, Krishna warned about the possibility of quantum computers neutralizing the encryption systems that protect cryptocurrencies. When Cramer asked when the encryption systems of his held cryptocurrencies might be breached, Krishna replied, "You should think of it as 3 to 4 years, and from that point, it will become quite unstable." Cramer said, "3 to 4 years is not a very long time," and added, "People should pay attention to that warning."

Quantum computers are identified as a technology capable of neutralizing the public-key encryption systems of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) by solving mathematical problems that are difficult for conventional computers. However, no quantum computer currently exists that can actually break Bitcoin's encryption system. Google researchers analyzed in March that the scale of equipment needed to attack Bitcoin's encryption system could be reduced by about 1/20th compared to previous estimates, but stated that actual implementation is still several years away.

The cryptocurrency industry has begun developing encryption systems to prepare for quantum computer attacks. Bitcoin developers have proposed improvements such as new address formats that support post-quantum electronic signatures. Ethereum researchers are also pursuing a transition to quantum-safe encryption systems by the late 2020s.

Cramer has changed his stance on Bitcoin multiple times. After the FTX collapse, he had a negative view of Bitcoin, but in January 2025, he called it "a good asset to hold in a portfolio." Cramer, who at the time advised holding Bitcoin directly rather than Strategy (MSTR) stock, reversed to selling after Krishna's 3-4 year warning.

[Article Key Summary]

-Cramer announced he would sell Bitcoin, citing the IBM CEO's warning about quantum computers.

-Krishna suggested that quantum computers could threaten cryptocurrency security in 3-4 years.

-Currently, no quantum computer can break Bitcoin's encryption system, and the industry is developing quantum-safe encryption technology.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*