Intel Announces Quantum Computing Chip

Intel's CES 2018 keynote focused on its 49-qubit quantum computing chip, VR applications for content, its AI self-learning chip, and an autonomous vehicles platform.

Intel has announced a 49-qubit quantum chip at CES 2018, with CEO Brian Krzanich calling it a major breakthrough in quantum computing and the next step to "quantum supremacy". - Intel's announcement

What does this mean for cryptocurrencies that have been touted as vulnerable to quantum computing attacks? 

Typical warning article of the dangers of quantum computing attacks on cryptocurrency:

Some computer scientists say quantum computers are moving closer to reality and will cripple bitcoin’s encryption systems and doom bitcoin. Governments are investing aggressively in quantum computers, which are ultra powerful. - CCN

Theoretically, and given enough time, this could cause some serious fud and be disastrous to the market. Not to shill, but it could be the time to start investing in quantum resistant ledger. 

The future is always hard to tell. As future's go, the best thing we can do is turn to modelling, and to leave the modelling to the professionals, which is why I reference Quantum attacks on Bitcoin, and how to prevent them which puts the year to 2027. 

Generally speaking, people are looking at this from the progress of the threat of Quantum Computers in terms of their error rates, gate speed, and number of Qubits to reach the amount to break ECDLP's, which is about ~2330 for Secp256k1 used in Bitcoin.