"Change Now or Get Hacked"... Frenzy of Bitcoin Wallet Hoarding Amid Quantum Threat

▲ Bitcoin (BTC), Quantum Computer / ChatGPT-generated image

As concerns grow that quantum computers could undermine the security framework of Bitcoin (BTC), related companies are rolling out quantum-resistant wallets one after another. However, debate is intensifying among investors over whether these products provide genuine insurance or merely function as a “fear tax” designed to provoke anxiety and loosen purse strings.

According to cryptocurrency outlet Cointelegraph on February 13 (local time), Bitcoin’s price has recently fallen about 50% from its all-time high recorded in October 2025, and vague fears surrounding quantum computing have been cited as one factor hindering institutional capital inflows. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) finalized its first post-quantum cryptography standards in 2024 and recommended a transition before 2030.

The threat posed by quantum computing is based on the theory that it could neutralize Bitcoin’s transaction authorization algorithm, the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA). A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could potentially derive private keys from public keys. In particular, about 1,230 BTC associated with previously exposed public keys are believed to be vulnerable to potential attacks. Security experts warn that hackers may already be implementing a “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy, collecting data today to decrypt in the future.

Amid such fear-driven marketing, hardware wallet manufacturer Trezor has launched the Safe 7, promoting it as quantum-ready, while qLabs has introduced the Quantum Sig wallet featuring post-quantum signatures. However, Alexei Zamyatin, co-founder of Build on Bitcoin (BOB), argued that it could still take five to fifteen years before quantum computers reach a level capable of hacking Bitcoin, suggesting that the current wave of quantum-resistant wallet sales resembles a fear tax.

Experts emphasize that upgrading the Bitcoin protocol itself, rather than relying solely on individual wallet-level responses, is the fundamental solution. Ada Jonuse, executive director at qLabs, stated that while protocol-level defense is essential for full quantum resilience, preparing infrastructure in advance should be seen as proactive planning rather than fear marketing. Tomas Susanka, Trezor’s chief technology officer, added that supporting new algorithms at the wallet level before waiting for a major blockchain upgrade could serve as realistic insurance.

Unlike Ethereum (ETH), the Bitcoin ecosystem lacks a centralized leader, making it more challenging to reach social consensus on adopting quantum-resistant cryptography. Considering the long replacement cycles of hardware wallets, manufacturers also have incentives to promote sales by adding new features. Ultimately, investors face a choice: pay now to guard against the distant threat of quantum computing or wait to see how the technology matures.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The publisher is not responsible for any investment losses incurred based on this content.