The Quantum Crisis of Bitcoin: 1.7 Million BTC at Risk, Action Needed Within Ten Years

2025-12-20 04:50:12

Abstract generation in progress

【Blockchain Rhythm】Is Bitcoin really not afraid of quantum computing? This question is more urgent than you think.

There’s an interesting detail—recent research by well-known scholars in the field of quantum theory shows that the threat of quantum computing to Bitcoin is not fundamentally a physics problem, but purely an engineering issue. In other words, theoretically feasible, but technically challenging.

So how does Bitcoin respond? Soft forks + post-quantum cryptographic signatures sound simple. There are already some post-quantum encryption schemes available on the market. But what is the real trouble? You first need to choose which post-quantum scheme to use, organize the community to reach consensus, and then forcibly migrate hundreds of millions of wallets with balances. Conservatively estimated, this process could take nearly ten years.

Even more heartbreaking is that a large number of Bitcoins are locked in addresses that have already been abandoned; the holders of these coins can no longer operate them. If a quantum attack really happens, these 1.7 million Bitcoins will be exposed—anyone can take them.

So what does that mean? Bitcoin needs to upgrade in an orderly and timely manner, but even crazier, the Bitcoin community must collectively agree to freeze those 1.7 million Bitcoins. This has never happened in Bitcoin’s history, and it’s akin to changing the very rules of the game.

It seems that the Bitcoin community and developers need to act quickly. Instead of remaining optimistic and indifferent, it’s better to start considering preventive measures now. Time is truly ticking away.

BTC-0.03%

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

16 Likes

Reward
16
6
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

ETHReserveBank

· 12-20 18:55

Oh no, 1.7 million BTC just got caught in the crossfire? Ten years still isn't enough, right?

View OriginalReply0

GasFeeVictim

· 12-20 05:16

Moving 1.7 million coins over ten years? That must be quite a hassle, not to mention those private keys that have already been lost.

View OriginalReply0

BuyTheTop

· 12-20 05:14

Haha, 1.7 million BTC just drifted away like that? Community consensus is easy to talk about but hard to implement, and it might take ten years or more to get it done.

View OriginalReply0

SmartContractRebel

· 12-20 05:11

1.7 million migrated in ten years? Is that really giving quantum computing a buffer period? This pace is incredible.

View OriginalReply0

DAOTruant

· 12-20 05:10

1.7 million BTC locked? Dude, doesn't that mean quantum computing is here and we're all doomed? Isn't ten years enough?

View OriginalReply0

BlockchainBard

· 12-20 04:53

Uh... Quantum computing is becoming more and more real, and 1.7 million BTC are just hanging there? The promised ten years sound a bit scary.