# Italy’s Volta B1 Annealer Highlights Crypto’s Quantum Security Challenge By Simon Yoon Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/33302 Published: 2026-10-16T14:13:16.000Z Updated: 2026-10-16T14:13:16.000Z Section: Technology > The D-Wave-based system has more than 4,400 qubits, but that figure alone does not show it can break blockchain signatures. Italy’s planned Oct. 16 inauguration of the Volta B1 quantum annealer is drawing attention to how blockchain networks may need to update cryptography as quantum computing advances. D-Wave’s Advantage2 platform underpins Volta B1, a machine configured with more than 4,400 qubits. The distinction applies to industrial annealers; Italy already has another type of quantum computer, a 140-qubit neutral-atom machine installed at CINECA in June. Volta B1 uses an annealing method for optimization tasks, distinct from the gate-based approach used by other quantum computers. Its qubit total does not establish that Volta B1 can compromise blockchain signature schemes. DAC Head of Innovation Davide Costa said, “At DAC, we’re addressing this challenge by embedding quantum resistance into blockchain infrastructure from the outset.” DAC says it is developing an Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible Layer 1 blockchain that it says will use Proof of Quantum Work and quantum entropy. The ability to defeat many widely used cryptographic systems could remain years or decades off. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has finalized three standards for cryptography designed for a post-quantum era, including two covering digital signatures. NIST recommends organizations begin migrating to the standards. The transition also poses [migration challenges for quantum-resistant blockchain security](). ## Links in this article - [migration challenges for quantum-resistant blockchain security](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/28606)