Coinspeaker
Jan 6, 2026
4 0

Coinbase Research Chief Warns 32.7% of Bitcoin Supply Faces Quantum Risk

David Duong from Coinbase highlighted a potential risk for approximately 32.7% of the total Bitcoin supply due to future quantum computing threats.

  • Quantum computers could potentially break the cryptographic security of Bitcoin wallets.
  • Duong's analysis identified 6.51 million BTC at risk, primarily due to address reuse.
  • A Quantum Vulnerable Bitcoin Tracker Bot monitors transactions to vulnerable addresses.

    • Nearly 7 million Bitcoin face risks from quantum attacks.

  • BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust acknowledges quantum threats in its prospectus.
  • NIST suggests migrating away from quantum-vulnerable security methods by 2035.
  • Opinions vary on urgency: estimates range from 5 to 40 years before quantum threats materialize.

Industry leaders are debating timelines and strategies for upgrading Bitcoin's security to be quantum-resistant. Efforts include proposed upgrades for Bitcoin and measures by other blockchain networks to enhance privacy.