Bitcoin and quantum computers: Solana boss warns of attack

• Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, estimates the probability that a quantum computer could hack Bitcoin by 2030 at 50 percent.
• At the All-In Summit 2025, he demanded that Bitcoin switch to a quantum-secure signature method by 2030 at the latest.
• Bitcoin's security mechanism uses, among other things, the Elliptic Curve Signature (ECDSA). This “digital signature” allows users to prove that transactions truly originate from them.
• Yakovenko warns, however, that powerful quantum computers could use algorithms capable of cracking these ECDSAs. This would compromise private keys and make wallets vulnerable.
• The consequences for Bitcoin would be serious: A successful attack could severely undermine trust in the cryptocurrency, make transactions falsifiable, and weaken the entire network.
• Therefore, the space must act, says Yakovenko. The Solana founder proposes a hard fork, in which all Bitcoin nodes and clients migrate to a quantum-secure signature algorithm. He acknowledged that this would be technically complex and require broad community support.
• Despite the urgency, he asserted that the transition is feasible. He pointed to examples from research in which prototypes of quantum-safe cryptography are being developed.
• Other experts in the crypto space, however, express skepticism about the timeframe. Adam Back of Blockstream considers the use of functional quantum computers that could crack ECDSA to be a “distant” threat; Bitcoin developers such as Peter Todd and Luke Dashjr also consider quantum threats to be less important at the moment.
• However, Yakovenko points to developments in the field of AI, demonstrating how quickly research labs can achieve real-world applications. His conclusion: As soon as major technological players like Apple or Google introduce quantum-safe cryptography, Bitcoin will have to follow suit.
• BTC-ECHO asked quantum physicist Markus Pflitsch how real the danger really is. Click here for the interview: Are quantum computers becoming a threat to Bitcoin?

Even though experts like Anatoly Yakovenko see quantum computing as a long-term risk for Bitcoin, the technology is still considered secure today. Anyone who wants to invest in Bitcoin independently, in a regulated, and simple way can do so via Bitpanda.

Recommended video: Quantum computers vs. Bitcoin – How real is the danger?

Sources

• Yakovenko at the All-In Summit