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Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Faces Quantum Countdown: Immediate Measures Needed or Face Potential Extinction?

Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Faces Quantum Countdown: Immediate Measures Needed or Face Potential Extinction?

Bitget-RWA2025/11/01 12:32
By: Bitget-RWA
- HRF reports 6.51M BTC ($188B) at risk from quantum attacks, including dormant Satoshi-era coins. - Experts warn quantum computers could break Bitcoin’s encryption within 5–10 years, urging urgent solutions. - Quantum algorithms like Shor’s threaten Bitcoin’s security, but current post-quantum solutions exclude major blockchains. - U.S. and firms like IBM/Google advance quantum tech, intensifying urgency for Bitcoin-specific upgrades. - Bitcoin community debates action plans, with no consensus on mitigati

Bitcoin Confronts Rising

Threat Over Next Ten Years, Says Borderless Capital

The security of Bitcoin’s cryptography is facing heightened examination as advancements in quantum computing threaten to compromise its core encryption systems. Specialists caution that, without prompt intervention, Bitcoin could become highly susceptible to attacks within five to ten years. The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) recently emphasized in an

that 6.51 million BTC—worth about $188 billion—are exposed to quantum threats, with 1.72 million BTC in early Pay-to-Public-Key (P2PK) wallets being especially at risk. These assets, which include an estimated 1.1 million BTC believed to belong to Bitcoin’s enigmatic founder Satoshi Nakamoto, have not moved but could be vulnerable once quantum computers reach adequate capability.

This looming risk has ignited discussion within the

ecosystem. During the Presidio Bitcoin Quantum Summit in July 2025, 80 specialists agreed that quantum machines capable of breaching Bitcoin’s encryption could be developed in the next 5–10 years. This projection is consistent with warnings from Charles Edwards, founder of the quantitative digital asset fund Carpriole, who stated in October 2025, "If Bitcoin doesn't address Quantum within the coming year, Gold will always outperform it," as referenced in an October 2025 . Amit Mehra, a partner at Borderless Capital, shared a similar view, noting in a that the swift progress of quantum computing could create significant challenges for Bitcoin within the decade.

The danger stems from quantum algorithms such as Shor’s, which could theoretically break the elliptic curve cryptography that protects Bitcoin’s blockchain. Both immediate attacks on newly revealed addresses and long-term threats to dormant P2PK wallets are major concerns. Although

Research has introduced a quantum-resistant cryptographic solution for blockchains like SUI, Near, and , this approach does not extend to Bitcoin or . This shortfall has led to increased demands for Bitcoin-specific post-quantum protections, but scalability remains a hurdle. Alternatives such as lattice-based or hash-based signatures require much larger data sizes than current methods, which could hinder blockchain performance.

The U.S. government is also considering investments in quantum technology to retain its global lead, with reports indicating the Department of Commerce may allocate resources to outpace China. At the same time, companies like IBM and Google are making strides in quantum hardware, with IBM’s 120-qubit platform and Google’s 105-qubit Willow chip pushing the boundaries for real-world quantum uses.

Despite the pressing need, the Bitcoin community has yet to reach consensus on a dedicated quantum-resistance plan. The Presidio Summit revealed no clear agreement on whether to "burn" or "steal" Satoshi-era coins at risk. Institutional custodians and exchanges are being encouraged to adopt improved practices, such as avoiding address reuse, to reduce exposure before quantum computing becomes a practical threat.

With time running out, the Bitcoin community must choose: postpone action and risk existential dangers, or invest in quantum-proof upgrades that could redefine the future of the cryptocurrency.

Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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