Bitcoin faces risk to 6.9 million coins from quantum attacks without migration plan
Updated
Updated · CoinDesk · Apr 25
Bitcoin faces risk to 6.9 million coins from quantum attacks without migration plan
12 articles · Updated · CoinDesk · Apr 25
Around 6.9 million bitcoin, including Satoshi Nakamoto’s early holdings, are exposed due to public keys visible on-chain, with no unified roadmap for quantum-resistant migration.
Unlike Ethereum, which has coordinated post-quantum efforts since 2018, Bitcoin’s decentralized governance hinders urgent security upgrades as quantum computing advances faster than previously estimated.
Experts and advisory boards urge early migration to post-quantum cryptography, warning that Bitcoin’s resistance to coordinated change could leave significant assets vulnerable if the threat materializes sooner than expected.
Are your crypto assets among the billions now vulnerable to a quantum attack?
Why did a major investment firm just dump Bitcoin over quantum computing fears?
If quantum-proof security is 38 times larger, can blockchains even handle the upgrade?
As governments mandate quantum-proof tech, will they force crypto to comply?
Will Bitcoin be forced to confiscate 'Satoshi-era' coins to survive?
Preparing Blockchain for Quantum Attacks: The 5–10 Year Race to Secure $75 Billion in Exposed Bitcoin
Overview
In early 2026, Coinbase formed an Independent Advisory Board to address the growing quantum computing threat to blockchain security. Their April report revealed that about 6.9 million Bitcoin are vulnerable due to exposed public keys from early wallets and spending patterns. Research from Google accelerated the threat timeline, suggesting quantum attacks could begin as soon as 2029. While blockchain infrastructure like mining remains relatively safe, the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography is complex and may take 5–10 years. Larger signature sizes pose technical challenges, prompting innovations like hybrid schemes. The industry faces urgent ethical and governance dilemmas, especially regarding dormant assets, requiring coordinated action to secure the future of digital assets.