Coinbase Executive Warns of Rising Quantum Security Risks for Bitcoin

TLDR

• Quantum progress raises concerns over Bitcoin’s vulnerable legacy addresses.
• Researchers flag 6.51M BTC at higher risk from exposed public keys.
• Short-range attack windows emerge as keys reveal during transactions.
• Developers explore coordinated migration to post-quantum protections.
• Debate grows on disruption timelines as governments prepare standards.

Quantum computing is drawing renewed attention as researchers outline threats to Bitcoin’s long-term cryptographic security. The latest analysis signals that advanced machines could expose weaknesses in existing public-key systems. The concern now drives new discussions about how the network should prepare for possible disruption.

Rising Fears as Quantum Computing Expands Capabilities

Experts say quantum computing can eventually undermine core algorithms that secure Bitcoin transactions. They also note that accelerating research now pushes the issue into strategic planning rather than speculation. Furthermore, industry leaders argue that the scale of exposure demands coordinated technical action.

David Duong from Coinbase reports that Bitcoin may enter a new security phase as quantum computing progresses. He states that emerging machines could compromise both signature systems and mining functions. New estimates suggest that specific address types carry measurable exposure.

BlackRock also acknowledged similar risks in a regulatory filing for its Bitcoin product. The firm indicated that quantum computing may weaken the reliability of existing cryptographic structures. In addition, regulators in the United States and Europe urge critical sectors to prepare for post-quantum standards.

One-Third of Bitcoin Supply Identified as Potentially Vulnerable

New research shows that quantum computing may enable attackers to exploit older address formats. Analysts estimate that about 6.51 million BTC remain at higher risk because some public keys appear onchain. Meanwhile, long-inactive coins form a notable share of this exposed category.

Duong highlights that long-range attacks could target outputs with visible public keys. He indicates that legacy formats such as P2PK and bare multisig contribute to this exposure. More modern formats help limit early disclosure but still reveal keys during spending.

Every transaction reveals a public key before confirmation, which creates a short-range attack window. Specialists warn that quantum computing could eventually shorten the time needed to extract private keys. Therefore, developers continue to examine migration paths toward quantum-resistant signatures.

Industry Divides on Timelines but Plans Advance Gradually

Some analysts argue that quantum computing will reach disruptive power within a decade. They reference growing investment and government preparation as signs of accelerating development. Others maintain that the threat remains distant and manageable.

Several Bitcoin developers believe the ecosystem can implement upgraded protections through broad agreement. They note that post-quantum signature schemes already appear in global standards. However, migration requires coordinated action because millions of dormant addresses cannot respond.

Researchers also warn that adversaries may store blockchain data now for future use. They claim that quantum computing could later process this historical information to extract keys from older outputs. Consequently, experts urge ongoing planning to maintain Bitcoin’s resilience under advancing technological pressure.

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