Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) saw its stock soar 5.10% in pre-market trading on Thursday, following Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin's warning about the potential threat of quantum computing to cryptographic algorithms. Buterin's statement, made at the Devconnect conference, suggested that quantum computing could break Elliptic Curve Cryptography before the 2028 U.S. presidential election, igniting a fierce debate in the crypto community and drawing attention to companies specializing in quantum technology.

The warning has split opinions among experts and influencers in the field. Crypto KOL Charles Edwards emphasized the urgency of addressing this risk, stating that mainstream experts are already assessing the potential impact of quantum computing on Bitcoin. However, physics expert David M. Antonelli offered a more conservative view, pointing out that even the most optimistic predictions from major players like IBM, Google, and Quantinuum only expect a few thousand physical quantum bits by 2030, far short of the millions of logical qubits needed to pose a significant threat.

While the debate continues regarding the timeline of quantum computing's impact on cryptography, the market's reaction suggests growing investor interest in companies positioned to address this emerging challenge. Quantum Computing Inc., as a key player in the quantum computing space, stands to benefit from increased attention and potential demand for quantum-resistant solutions. The stock's pre-market surge indicates that investors are taking the long-term implications of quantum computing seriously, potentially viewing QUBT as a strategic investment in the face of evolving technological threats to current cryptographic standards.