Bitcoin News Today: Institutions Reassess Bitcoin's Quantum Resilience Amid Emerging Threats

VanEck CEO Jan van Eck has raised alarms about Bitcoin's vulnerability to quantum computing advancements, signaling a potential shift in institutional sentiment as the cryptocurrency's long-term security model faces scrutiny. Speaking on CNBC, van Eck emphasized that quantum threats-once a distant concern-are now a critical discussion point within the Bitcoin community. "If quantum computing breakthroughs fundamentally undermine Bitcoin's encryption, we won't hesitate to reassess our position," he stated, placing the asset under closer watch. This warning comes amid growing investments in quantum-resistant technologies, with startups like Quobly securing €40 million in funding to develop fault-tolerant quantum computing solutions.

The urgency around quantum risks is underscored by the rapid evolution of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) markets. A 2030 forecast estimates the PQC market will grow from $0.42 billion in 2025 to $2.84 billion, driven by government contracts, hybrid cryptographic mechanisms, and the need to protect data from quantum decryption. Companies such as SEALSQ are already embedding quantum-resistant cryptography into semiconductors, targeting sectors like defense, healthcare, and finance. Meanwhile, IBM and Cisco recently announced plans to build the infrastructure for a quantum internet, a development that could accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies.

Bitcoin's role in institutional portfolios is also shifting. BlackRock's head of digital assets, Robbie Mitchnick, clarified that most clients view Bitcoin primarily as a store of value-"digital gold"-rather than a payments network. "The global payment use case remains speculative," he said, noting that scaling solutions like the Lightning Network still face technical and economic uncertainties according to industry analysis. This aligns with broader industry trends: stablecoins, not Bitcoin, are dominating payments, with use cases expanding into remittances, cross-border transfers, and capital market settlements according to research. ARK Invest's Cathie Wood recently revised her 2030 Bitcoin price target downward, citing stablecoins' encroachment on Bitcoin's traditional payment niche.

Amid these dynamics, privacy-focused alternatives like Zcash are gaining traction. Zcash surged over 1,300% in three months as investors seek enhanced transactional privacy, a move some analysts compare to a "third-party candidate" diluting Bitcoin's political and cultural support according to market analysis. While cryptographers argue meaningful quantum threats to Bitcoin are decades away according to research, van Eck noted that "Bitcoin OGs and maxis" are already exploring alternatives like Zcash according to van Eck's analysis.

VanEck's caution reflects a broader industry reckoning. The asset manager remains bullish on Bitcoin for now, citing its deep liquidity and institutional relevance, but stressed the need for preparedness. "Bitcoin's current price weakness fits a four-year cycle, with 2026 likely to be a downturn year," van Eck said according to van Eck's analysis. As quantum advancements and PQC adoption accelerate, the cryptocurrency's ability to adapt-or cede ground to alternatives-will shape its role in the next decade.