The Quantum Threat to Bitcoin: Understanding the Risks
David Carvalho, CEO of Naoris Protocol, has issued a stark warning about quantum computing‘s potential to disrupt Bitcoin and blockchain security. In an interview with Cointelegraph, Carvalho compared the threat to “meteors coming for the dinosaurs,” emphasizing how current cryptographic standards may soon become obsolete.
How Quantum Computing Could Compromise Bitcoin
While today’s quantum computers cannot yet break Bitcoin‘s SHA-256 hashing or ECDSA encryption, experts warn the technology is advancing rapidly. Malicious actors are already employing a “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy, collecting encrypted blockchain data for future attacks.
- Current encryption methods face potential quantum vulnerabilities
- Approximately 25% of Bitcoin remains in older, more vulnerable wallets
- Data harvesting creates future attack opportunities
The Combined Threat of Quantum and AI
The intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence presents particularly sophisticated risks. Carvalho describes a scenario of “silent collapse” where funds could disappear without forensic traces, fundamentally undermining trust in blockchain systems.
Building Quantum-Resistant Defenses
The blockchain community is developing solutions to address these emerging threats:
- Naoris Protocol is pioneering decentralized quantum-resistant infrastructure
- Developers are proposing quantum-resistant address formats through BIP-360
- Multiple projects are working on post-quantum cryptographic standards
As Blockstream CEO Adam Back notes, while immediate danger may be limited, proactive preparation remains essential for maintaining blockchain security in the quantum era.
