Bitcoin’s Cryptography Facing ‘Death’ Threat? Quantum Computers Target Even Satoshi’s Wallet

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

Warnings are mounting that the formidable computational power of quantum computers could undermine Bitcoin’s security framework. In response, developers and financial institutions have begun full-scale efforts to transition security protocols to quantum-resistant methods.

According to cryptocurrency media outlet Cointelegraph on February 14 (local time), quantum computers—boasting processing speeds millions of times faster than conventional computers—may be capable of breaking Bitcoin’s core cryptographic algorithm, the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), within minutes. Bitcoin Core developers cautioned that if such a threat materializes, the security reliability of the global Bitcoin network could be fundamentally shaken.

Financial institutions are closely monitoring the potential impact of quantum computing on the cryptocurrency market and are accelerating the adoption of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) technologies. Early wallets that operated under older security standards, as well as long-dormant assets such as the estimated 1.1 million BTC believed to be held by Bitcoin’s creator Satoshi Nakamoto, are considered the most vulnerable targets for quantum attacks. Institutional investors have begun making the availability of quantum-resistant technology by custodians a key investment criterion for safeguarding assets.

Technical experts estimate that it may take at least 10 to 20 years before quantum computers pose a practical threat to the Bitcoin network. However, concerns persist that rapid advancements by major companies such as Google and IBM could accelerate this timeline. As a result, discussions within the Bitcoin community about implementing a hard fork to upgrade the entire network to new security standards have resurfaced.

Challenges remain in addressing potential network disruption and slower processing speeds that could arise during the transition to quantum-resistant technologies. New algorithms typically require larger data sizes, increasing the likelihood of conflicts with blockchain scalability. Developers are reviewing various cryptographic alternatives and striving to enhance technical robustness to find an optimal balance that strengthens security without compromising user experience.

Since its inception, Bitcoin has overcome numerous technical challenges and continued to grow, and the threat posed by quantum computing is viewed as another catalyst for the evolution of its security framework. If network participants proactively adopt security upgrades and implement technical countermeasures, Bitcoin can further solidify its position as digital gold. The market is watching closely for the establishment of new security standards as technological advancement and enhanced protections converge.

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