Quantum computers pose a real but not immediate threat to Bitcoin’s security. Bitcoin’s cryptography, based on elliptic curve digital signatures (ECDSA), could eventually be broken by sufficiently powerful quantum computers using algorithms like Shor’s. This would allow attackers to derive private keys from public keys, potentially stealing Bitcoin from vulnerable addresses—especially those that have already revealed their public keys through transactions[2][5].
However, current quantum computers are far from having enough qubits or stability to break Bitcoin’s encryption within the network’s block time (about 10 minutes). Experts estimate a 5-to-7-year timeline before quantum threats become practically relevant, and possibly decades before a large-scale quantum computer can break Bitcoin’s cryptography at scale[1][3][7].
The risk mainly affects “used” Bitcoin addresses that have exposed public keys; unused addresses remain safer. Users can mitigate risk by not reusing addresses, using cold storage, and multisig wallets. The Bitcoin community and developers are actively researching and preparing quantum-resistant cryptographic upgrades (post-quantum cryptography) to secure the network before quantum computers become capable of attacks[2][8].
In summary, while quantum computing is a serious long-term threat to Bitcoin’s cryptographic security at it stands, it is not an immediate danger. Bitcoin’s design, ongoing upgrades, and community vigilance provide a strong defense, but adaptation to quantum-resistant algorithms will be essential to ensure its survival in a quantum future[2][8].
Is there a way for BitCoin to survive after quantum computers mature?
Yes, Bitcoin can survive the maturation of quantum computers through the adoption of post-quantum cryptography (PQC)—new cryptographic algorithms designed to resist quantum attacks. Although Bitcoin currently relies on elliptic curve cryptography vulnerable to quantum algorithms like Shor’s, researchers and companies are actively developing and deploying quantum-resistant solutions to secure wallets and transactions.
For example, SEALSQ recently unveiled a hardware and software stack using NIST-standardized lattice-based algorithms (CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium) that protect Bitcoin wallets from quantum threats by providing forward secrecy and unforgeable signatures[10][13]. Additionally, proposals like the Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) called QuBit introduce new quantum-resistant address types (e.g., Pay to Quantum Resistant Hash – P2QRH) that could be activated via soft forks to gradually transition the network to quantum-secure signatures without disrupting current operations[12].
Other approaches include protocols for voluntarily migrating funds from vulnerable addresses to quantum-resistant ones (Quantum-Resistant Address Migration Protocol – QRAMP)[5] and potential use of advanced cryptographic tools like STARKs and reactivated opcodes (e.g., OP_CAT) to enable scalable quantum resistance with privacy benefits[12].
While implementing these changes involves technical challenges, trade-offs in transaction size, and requires community consensus, the Bitcoin ecosystem is already preparing for this transition. The consensus is that quantum computers capable of breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography are still years away, providing time to upgrade the network’s cryptography and ensure continued security and survival in a post-quantum world[11][12][16].
In summary, Bitcoin’s survival after quantum computers mature depends on proactive adoption of post-quantum cryptographic standards and network upgrades, which are underway and expected to secure the blockchain against future quantum threats.
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[1] https://www.dlnews.com/articles/people-culture/blackrock-beefs-up-quantum-compute-threats-bitcoin-investors/
[2] https://www.ccn.com/education/crypto/q-day-prize-quantum-computing-break-bitcoin/
[3] https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2025/04/04/quantum-computing-a-new-threat-to-bitcoin-and-crypto-security/
[4] https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2025/04/17/quantum-computing-group-offers-1-btc-to-whoever-breaks-bitcoin-s-cryptographic-key
[5] https://www.deloitte.com/nl/en/services/risk-advisory/perspectives/quantum-computers-and-the-bitcoin-blockchain.html
[6] https://coincub.com/crypto-quantum-computing/
[7] https://www.mara.com/posts/bitcoin-vs-quantum-computing-more-hype-than-reality
[8] https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/01/19/researcher-bitcoin-will-evolve-to-meet-quantum-threat/
[9] https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/is-quantum-computing-a-threat-for-crypto
[10] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/05/21/3085822/0/en/SEALSQ-Unveils-Quantum-Resistant-Cryptography-with-QS7001-to-Secure-Bitcoin-Wallets-Against-Quantum-Threat.html
[11] https://www.deloitte.com/nl/en/services/risk-advisory/perspectives/quantum-computers-and-the-bitcoin-blockchain.html
[12] https://cointelegraph.com/magazine/bitcoin-quantum-computer-threat-timeline-solutions-2024-2035/
[13] https://www.sealsq.com/investors/news-releases/sealsq-unveils-quantum-resistant-cryptography-with-qs7001-to-secure-bitcoin-wallets-against-quantum-threat
[14] https://thebitcoinmanual.com/articles/qramp/
[15] https://cpl.thalesgroup.com/encryption/post-quantum-crypto-agility
[16] https://www.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/1hd3gm0/the_quantum_threat_to_bitcoin_is_already_being/
[17] https://www.btq.com/blog/quantum-secure-cryptocurrencies-of-the-future
[18] https://opsdesign.com/bitcoin-vulnerabilities-due-to-quantum-computing/
[19] https://www.sealsq.com/investors/news-releases/sealsq-quantum-resistant-technology-tackles-potential-bitcoins-quantum-vulnerabilities