Quantum Computing vs. Bitcoin Security
Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko has raised serious concerns about Bitcoin’s future, warning that rapid advances in quantum computing could compromise the world’s largest cryptocurrency if developers fail to act by 2030. Speaking at the All-In Summit 2025, Yakovenko stressed that the current cryptographic signatures securing Bitcoin transactions may be vulnerable to Shor’s algorithm, a quantum computing method capable of breaking traditional encryption.
According to Yakovenko, there’s a “50/50 chance that within five years there’s a quantum breakthrough” — an event that would force Bitcoin to transition to quantum-resistant cryptography to maintain security.
Why Quantum Risk Matters for Bitcoin
Bitcoin’s resilience has long been attributed to the elegance and simplicity of proof-of-work, but its reliance on existing signature schemes could become a weakness in the quantum era. Yakovenko emphasized that a successful quantum attack could undermine transaction security, threatening the integrity of the entire Bitcoin network.
If Bitcoin doesn’t adopt a quantum-resistant upgrade, its settlement guarantees could be at risk.
The Signal for Migration: Apple and Google
Yakovenko outlined a practical migration trigger for the Bitcoin community: when Apple and Google deploy quantum-safe cryptography stacks across billions of devices, it will be time for Bitcoin to migrate as well.
This alignment with global tech leaders would make the transition smoother, as wallet and node providers could integrate post-quantum security standards vetted by leading organizations.
Such a shift would reduce the upgrade burden on everyday users while preserving the robustness of the Bitcoin protocol.
Quantum Computing: Threat and Opportunity
Interestingly, Yakovenko didn’t only frame quantum as a risk — he also described it as a potential wealth creator on par with artificial intelligence (AI). Successful breakthroughs could spark entirely new industries, opening doors for crypto networks that adapt early to post-quantum cryptography.
Still, the existential risk for Bitcoin remains clear: if credible quantum systems appear before 2030, a proactive upgrade path must already be underway.
Beyond Quantum: Stablecoins and Real-World Assets
During the interview, Yakovenko also discussed other trends shaping the crypto economy. He predicted that stablecoins and tokenized U.S. Treasuries could turn the internet into one of the largest holders of American debt. Solana, he said, aims to provide a low-latency execution layer for such markets, with the potential for regulated institutions to run nodes and connect to public blockchains.
He also highlighted opportunities in DeFi, RWAs, and creator economies, but returned to the urgent timeline for Bitcoin’s security upgrade.
Yakovenko’s warning is clear: Bitcoin developers have less than a decade to prepare for quantum disruption. The rise of quantum computing could either be a turning point for the cryptocurrency’s resilience or a major vulnerability. The roadmap will depend on how quickly breakthroughs materialize — and how effectively the Bitcoin community coordinates its migration to quantum-safe cryptography.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.