Bitcoin Faces Quantum Threat: Creator Urges Immediate Security Revamp to Prevent 2030 Disaster

Solana’s co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko has delivered a pressing appeal for

to implement quantum-proof security, emphasizing the urgent risk posed by the merging of artificial intelligence and quantum computing technology. During his speech at the All-In Summit 2025, Yakovenko warned that quantum advancements powerful enough to undermine Bitcoin’s cryptographic systems could emerge within five years, estimating a 50% likelihood. He insisted the Bitcoin community must move quickly to adopt quantum-resistant signature mechanisms to confront this danger.

Yakovenko’s alert reflects growing anxiety over the fragility of Bitcoin’s existing cryptographic structure. The digital currency currently employs the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) to secure wallets and SHA-256 for mining and transaction validation. While these systems are secure against conventional computing, quantum algorithms such as Shor’s and Grover’s could, in theory, allow quantum devices to extract private keys from public ones or weaken the effectiveness of hash functions. Yakovenko highlighted that Bitcoin’s straightforwardness and robustness—especially its proof-of-work—remain advantages, but these alone won’t suffice in the face of quantum risks unless the protocol evolves.

The co-founder further stressed the need for a wider industry response. He called on

and to integrate quantum-secure cryptographic , observing that consumer technology infrastructure can already be protected using current engineering techniques. Yakovenko described quantum computing as a “massive unlock” in computational capabilities, likening its potential to that of artificial intelligence, but cautioned that its dangers must be tackled now. He singled out Google’s Willow quantum processor, which marked significant progress in 2024, as an indicator of how quickly the field is advancing.

Yakovenko’s statements highlighted Bitcoin’s endurance through economic turmoil, though he acknowledged ongoing risks for individuals. He maintained that Bitcoin’s decentralized and global character would help it weather economic shocks as long as it remains open to all participants. Yet, he warned that centralized authorities, such as governments, could exploit weaknesses if Bitcoin fails to adapt to quantum threats. He pointed to historical incidents, like the U.S. government’s gold ownership ban in the 1970s, as evidence that safeguarding property rights requires openness. Yakovenko argued that making Bitcoin ownership public could discourage government seizures, since transparency makes assets less susceptible to targeting.

The push for quantum-proofing echoes widespread debates within the crypto sector. Experts have recognized the necessity for soft forks or blended cryptographic models to incorporate post-quantum security while retaining compatibility with existing systems. Initiatives such as QuBit propose quantum-resistant signatures, and projects like the Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) are pioneering the use of post-quantum cryptography. Yakovenko’s urgent tone draws attention to the operational challenges of achieving consensus for these changes, which demand collaboration among miners, developers, and node operators—a process that has often delayed significant protocol modifications.

The risks of delaying action are considerable. Should a “Q-Day” event occur, where quantum computers break Bitcoin’s encryption at scale, it could result in widespread theft, undermine trust in the blockchain, and destabilize the cryptocurrency’s price. Early Bitcoin addresses, including those attributed to Satoshi Nakamoto, are especially vulnerable because their public keys have been exposed. Yakovenko’s cautions are consistent with studies by groups like NIST, which project that quantum threats to Bitcoin could become real in the 2030s, though faster innovation might advance this timeline.

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founder says Bitcoin must act fast to beat quantum