Will Quantum Computers Spell the End of Bitcoin? CoinShares Says Not for Another 20 Years

▲ Bitcoin (BTC), quantum computers, artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency security / ChatGPT-generated image

An analysis report has found that while fears that quantum computers could threaten Bitcoin security are shaking the market, at least 20 years of preparation time remain before any real threat materializes.

According to cryptocurrency news outlet U.Today on February 25 (local time), crypto investment and research firm CoinShares stated in a recent report that quantum computers do not pose an immediate risk to Bitcoin (BTC). The report explained that breaking Bitcoin’s security framework with current quantum computing technology would require machines 100,000 times more powerful than those available today, and such a technological leap would likely take at least 10 to 20 years. Contrary to market concerns, the quantum computing threat remains a distant prospect.

Currently, less than 8% of Bitcoin’s total supply is believed to be exposed to potential quantum computing threats. Approximately 10,200 BTC are stored in addresses considered vulnerable. While hacking these addresses could cause market disruption, doing so is virtually impossible with present-day technology. CoinShares noted that users have ample time to move their assets to safer addresses, and developers could introduce quantum-resistant signature technology through a soft fork before the risk becomes imminent.

The digital asset market has recently been dominated by negative sentiment amid rising volatility driven by geopolitical instability and tariff-related macroeconomic headwinds. Some analysts have attempted to link Bitcoin’s recent price decline to quantum computing risks, but CoinShares argued that such claims lack sufficient evidence. Bitcoin’s price is more heavily influenced by the global macro environment than by quantum threats, and the network’s ability to adapt to technological challenges remains robust.

Developers continue to discuss ways to preserve Bitcoin’s core principles while responding to emerging technological threats. In the report, authored by CoinShares researchers Christopher Bendiksen and James Butterfill with contributions from key industry figures including Adam Back, the firm expressed strong confidence in Bitcoin’s capacity to evolve its security. As it becomes increasingly clear that quantum computers cannot undermine Bitcoin in the near term, unnecessary market fears are expected to gradually subside.

In conclusion, Bitcoin has secured sufficient time to strengthen its defenses against technological challenges. While quantum computing represents a long-term issue, the Bitcoin ecosystem has the infrastructure to anticipate and prepare for it. Investors should maintain a long-term perspective, trusting in Bitcoin’s fundamental value and its upgrade path rather than being swayed by short-term technological rumors.

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