Migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum may 'easily' take 5-10 years: Crypto exec

cointelegraphPublished on 2025-12-21Last updated on 2025-12-21

Abstract

Bitcoin core developer Jameson Lopp estimates that migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum cryptographic standards could easily take 5 to 10 years. He and other experts, including Blockstream CEO Adam Back, believe there is no immediate quantum threat to Bitcoin. However, Lopp emphasizes the need for preparation due to the complexity of upgrading Bitcoin’s distributed consensus system. The debate continues within the community, with Bitcoin maximalists urging caution and downplaying the urgency, while some venture capitalists warn of imminent risks and potential price impacts. For instance, Capriole founder Charles Edwards suggested BTC could fall below $50,000 by 2028 if not quantum-ready.

Migrating Bitcoin (BTC) to post-quantum standards will take at least 5-10 years, according to Bitcoin core developer and co-founder of crypto custody company Casa, Jameson Lopp, who weighed in on the ongoing quantum computer debate.

Lopp agreed with Adam Back, the CEO of crypto infrastructure company Blockstream, that there is no near-term threat to Bitcoin from quantum computers. Lopp said in an X post.

“Quantum computers won't break Bitcoin in the near future. We'll keep observing their evolution. Yet, making thoughtful changes to the protocol and an unprecedented migration of funds could easily take 5 to 10 years.
Source: Jameson Lopp

We should hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,” he added. In a separate post, he said the Bitcoin protocol is more challenging to upgrade to post-quantum standards than centralized software because of its distributed consensus model.

The debate over the quantum threat and possible solutions continues to be a major topic of discussion in the Bitcoin community, with a growing schism between Bitcoin maximalists, who urge caution in prompting changes to the protocol, and venture capitalists (VCs), who say the quantum threat is imminent.

Related: Blockchains quietly prepare for quantum threat as Bitcoin debates timeline

Bitcoin OGs, developers and whales clash with venture capitalists

“Quantum-resistance solutions are affordable enough to be financed by non-profits and VCs,” Bitcoin maximalist Pierre Rochard said.

Rochard added that it would be so expensive to attack Bitcoin through quantum computers that the government would be forced to “subsidize it as a collective action problem.”

Source: Pierre Rochard

Samson Mow, a Bitcoin investor and CEO of wallet company and advocacy group JAN3, also cast doubt on the ability of a quantum computer to crack Bitcoin’s security.

“In reality, quantum computers can’t factor the number 21 — not 21 million — 21, without heavy customization to the algorithm,” Mow said.

Despite this, venture capitalists and other investment firms warn that BTC’s price is being impacted by the threat, or perceived threat, from quantum computers.

The price of BTC could dip below $50,000 if the protocol is not quantum-ready by 2028, according to Charles Edwards, the founder of digital asset investment fund Capriole.

Edwards called for Bitcoin node operators to enforce Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) 360, which introduces a quantum-ready signature scheme for BTC.

Magazine: Quantum attacking Bitcoin would be a waste of time: Kevin O’Leary

Related Questions

QAccording to Jameson Lopp, how long could migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum standards take?

AAccording to Jameson Lopp, migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum standards could easily take 5 to 10 years.

QWhy is upgrading the Bitcoin protocol to post-quantum standards more challenging than upgrading centralized software?

AIt is more challenging because of Bitcoin's distributed consensus model, which requires widespread agreement for any protocol changes.

QWhat is the main point of disagreement between Bitcoin maximalists and venture capitalists regarding the quantum threat?

ABitcoin maximalists urge caution in making changes to the protocol, while venture capitalists believe the quantum threat is imminent and that it is already impacting Bitcoin's price.

QWhat did Samson Mow claim about the current capabilities of quantum computers?

ASamson Mow claimed that quantum computers cannot even factor the number 21 without heavy customization to the algorithm, casting doubt on their ability to crack Bitcoin's security.

QWhat specific proposal did Charles Edwards call for to address the quantum threat?

ACharles Edwards called for Bitcoin node operators to enforce Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) 360, which introduces a quantum-ready signature scheme for BTC.

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