Bitcoin's Quantum Deadline: Founder Demands Urgent Security Overhaul to Avert 2030 Crisis

Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko has issued an urgent call for Bitcoin to adopt quantum-resistant security measures, citing the rapid convergence of artificial intelligence and quantum computing as a critical risk to the cryptocurrency’s future. Speaking at the All-In Summit 2025, Yakovenko emphasized that a quantum computing breakthrough capable of compromising Bitcoin’s cryptographic foundations could occur within the next five years, with a 50% probability of such an event. He argued that the Bitcoin community must act swiftly to transition to a quantum-resistant signature scheme to mitigate this threat.

Yakovenko’s warning aligns with broader concerns about the vulnerability of Bitcoin’s current cryptographic architecture. The cryptocurrency relies on the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) for wallet security and SHA-256 for mining and transaction integrity. While these protocols remain robust against classical computers, quantum algorithms like Shor’s and Grover’s could theoretically enable quantum machines to derive private keys from public keys or reduce the security of hashing functions. Yakovenko stressed that Bitcoin’s simplicity and resilience, particularly its proof-of-work mechanism, are strengths but insufficient against quantum threats without proactive adaptation.

The co-founder also highlighted the urgency of broader industry action. He urged Google and Apple to adopt quantum-resistant cryptographic stacks, noting that consumer-facing infrastructure could be secured with existing engineering solutions. Yakovenko described quantum computing as a “massive unlock” for processing power, comparable to the transformative potential of AI, but warned that its risks necessitate immediate mitigation. He specifically referenced Google’s Willow quantum chip, which demonstrated advancements in 2024, as a harbinger of the technology’s accelerating development.

Yakovenko’s remarks underscored Bitcoin’s resilience amid economic volatility but acknowledged risks to individual holders. He asserted that Bitcoin’s open, global nature would allow it to survive economic shocks, provided its openness to participation remains intact. However, he cautioned that centralized entities, such as governments, could exploit vulnerabilities if Bitcoin fails to adapt. He cited historical precedents, including the U.S. government’s restriction on gold ownership in the 1970s, to illustrate the importance of defending property rights through transparency. Yakovenko argued that public disclosure of Bitcoin ownership could deter state-sponsored seizures, as visibility of holdings makes them harder to target.

The call for quantum resistance echoes ongoing discussions within the cryptocurrency community. Researchers have identified the need for soft forks or hybrid cryptographic models to integrate post-quantum algorithms while maintaining backward compatibility. Proposals like QuBit aim to introduce quantum-resistant signatures, while initiatives such as the Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) have pioneered post-quantum cryptography. Yakovenko’s emphasis on urgency highlights the logistical challenges of achieving consensus for such upgrades, which require coordination among miners, developers, and node operators—a process that has historically delayed major protocol changes.

The potential consequences of inaction remain severe. A “Q-Day” scenario, where quantum computers crack Bitcoin’s encryption en masse, could trigger mass theft of funds, erode trust in the blockchain, and destabilize the cryptocurrency’s value. Older Bitcoin addresses, including those linked to Satoshi Nakamoto, are particularly at risk due to their exposure of public keys. Yakovenko’s warnings align with analyses from institutions like NIST, which estimate that quantum threats to Bitcoin may emerge in the 2030s, though accelerated advancements could bring this timeline forward.

Source: [1] Solana founder says Bitcoin must act fast to beat quantum (https://www.cryptopolitan.com/solana-ceo-says-bitcoin-must-beat-quantum/)