- Anatoly Yakovenko warns Bitcoin must prepare for quantum threats within 5 years.
- Bitcoin’s elliptic curve cryptography could be vulnerable to quantum breakthroughs.
- Experts are split: some say under 5 years, others believe it’s a decade away.
At the All-In Summit 2025, Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko urged the Bitcoin community to prepare for the coming era of quantum computing. He predicted a 50/50 chance of a major breakthrough within the next five years, warning that Bitcoin must adopt quantum-resistant cryptography before it becomes vulnerable.
Bitcoin’s Reliance on Elliptic Curve Cryptography
Currently, Bitcoin uses elliptic curve cryptography, which works well against traditional computing but could be cracked by quantum-level power. Yakovenko emphasized that the convergence of AI and quantum technologies is moving faster than most expect, making Bitcoin’s security an urgent concern rather than a distant problem.
The Challenge of Upgrading Bitcoin’s Cryptography
Switching to a quantum-resistant system would likely require a hard fork, which is controversial within the Bitcoin community. A hard fork would make older versions of the protocol incompatible, potentially causing disruption and division. Some experts, like David Carvalho of Naoris Protocol, believe quantum computers could break Bitcoin’s cryptography in under five years, while others remain unconvinced.
Bitcoin Experts Divided on Quantum Threat Timeline
Blockstream CEO Adam Back has downplayed the immediate risk, arguing quantum computers are still far from being a serious threat. Samson Mow, founder of Jan3, acknowledged the risk but said it’s likely a decade away. For him, Bitcoin’s resilience will carry it through. This split highlights the challenge: act now to prepare, or wait until the danger feels closer.
