Bitcoin is the first decentralized cryptocurrency that lets people send money directly to anyone else, without needing a bank or company in the middle. It uses cryptography and a blockchain to confirm and record transactions. For a simple definition, see Bitcoin.
To understand the new threat, it helps to know a bit about quantum computing. A quantum computer uses quantum bits, or qubits, which can do many calculations at once. This could let a computer break some public‑key cryptography, which protects online data. A short explanation is available at Quantum computing.
Cryptography is the practice and study of secure communication. It creates codes that keep information private and safe. Bitcoin uses cryptography to prove who owns coins and to approve transfers. If quantum computers can break the codes we use today, Bitcoin could face big problems. A quick explanation is on Cryptography.
Post-quantum cryptography is the field that studies new codes that can stay strong even when quantum computers exist. It is about moving cryptography to codes that quantum machines cannot easily break. See Post-quantum cryptography.
FTX was a big name in crypto, including a crypto exchange and a hedge fund. It collapsed in 2022 and is now in bankruptcy proceedings. This event is often cited as an example of risks in the crypto world. See FTX.
Fighting the Last War
Charles Edwards is the founder of Capriole Investments. He is a veteran investor who has watched Bitcoin through many scares. He says he is more worried about Bitcoin’s future now than at any time in his years watching markets. The reason is quantum computing, which could threaten Bitcoin’s security as it grows stronger.
On X, which used to be called Twitter, Edwards shared his views. He says he has stayed confident through extreme price drops, exchange shutdowns, hacks, and big frauds like the fall of FTX. Those events did not change his long‑term belief in Bitcoin, he says. But this new risk is different in nature, he argues. He warns that Bitcoin’s current cryptographic defenses may not be strong enough to resist advances in quantum technology. He compares the situation to using old military plans in new wars. He says Bitcoin “does not stand a chance” without adapting to new threats. He believes the community has not treated the issue with enough urgency.
Ki Young Ju, the founder of CryptoQuant, also warns about the growing threat. He says protecting the Bitcoin network may require hard choices. One possible solution is to freeze older Bitcoin addresses temporarily as part of a quantum‑resistant upgrade. Ju notes that making such changes would be difficult because the crypto community often cannot agree on protocol updates. He also says that assets that are safe today may not stay safe as quantum technology advances.
Industry Remains Divided
Not everyone agrees about how urgent the threat is. In December, Jameson Lopp, co‑founder and chief security officer of Casa, said quantum computers do not pose a near‑term risk to Bitcoin. He believes the technology is far from breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography. Lopp says researchers should keep watching progress, but fears that fears of an imminent threat are premature. He also notes that preparing Bitcoin for a post‑quantum future would be a long process.
Grayscale, a company that studies crypto investments, has expressed similar views. In a recent report, Grayscale said quantum computing is unlikely to have a meaningful impact on crypto markets in 2026. They recognize long‑term risks, but they downplay short‑term consequences.
Michael Saylor, a Strategy co‑founder, has also minimized the concern. In an interview on Coin Stories with Natalie Brunell, Saylor said most cybersecurity experts believe any credible quantum threat remains more than a decade away. He argues that panic is not helpful and that careful planning for the future is better than rushing to change today.
The debate shows that people in the crypto world do not all agree on timing. Some think action should start soon to protect Bitcoin. Others say to wait and see how things unfold. This is a long‑term issue, not an immediate crisis. The best path may be careful, coordinated upgrades that keep Bitcoin usable for many years.
This discussion follows a period of price drops, hacks, and the FTX collapse. It was reported by CryptoPotato.
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