Willy Woo says Bitcoin OGs will buy Satoshi's stash if a quantum hack occurs

cointelegraphPublished on 2025-12-14Last updated on 2025-12-14

Abstract

A debate emerged on social media regarding the potential scenario of a quantum computer hacking and dumping Satoshi Nakamoto’s 1 million BTC. YouTuber Josh Otten suggested this could crash Bitcoin's price to $3, but long-term holder Willy Woo countered that many original Bitcoin investors (OGs) would buy such a flash crash, ensuring the network's survival. Woo noted that around 4 million BTC in older "pay-to-public-key" (P2PK) addresses, including Satoshi's, are vulnerable because they expose public keys onchain, which a powerful quantum computer could use to derive private keys. Newer wallet types are more secure as they don’t reveal public keys. While some fear quantum computing could destroy crypto, experts like Blockstream’s Adam Back believe the threat is decades away, allowing time to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography. Analyst James Check added that the bigger risk is to Bitcoin’s market price, as the community is unlikely to preemptively freeze Satoshi’s coins before a quantum attack.

A debate broke out on social media on Saturday about the potential effects of a quantum computer hacking Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin (BTC) stash and then dumping those coins onto the market.

The debate began when YouTuber Josh Otten shared a price chart of BTC crashing to $3.00 and said that this could happen if a sufficiently powerful quantum computer emerges and steals pseudonymous Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto’s 1 million BTC and sells them.

“Many OGs would buy the flash crash. The Bitcoin network would survive; most coins are not immediately vulnerable,” long-term Bitcoin holder Willy Woo said.

However, there are about 4 million BTC held in pay-to-public-key (P2PK) addresses, including Satoshi’s coins, which show the full public key onchain when coins are spent, making them vulnerable to quantum attacks, Woo added.

Exposing a Bitcoin wallet’s full public key onchain exposes these wallets to quantum attacks in the future because a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could theoretically derive the private key from the public key in the future

Newer types of BTC wallet addresses are not as vulnerable to quantum attacks because they do not expose the full public keys onchain, and if the public key is not known, then a quantum computer cannot generate the paired private key from that data.

*Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin holdings. Source:* *Arkham Intelligence*

The Bitcoin and crypto communities continue to debate the potential effects of quantum computing on Bitcoin and the encryption technology that underpins cryptocurrencies, with some arguing that quantum computing will be the death of the industry.

Related: VanEck boss questions Bitcoin’s privacy, encryption against quantum tech

Bitcoin OG Adam Back says the threat of quantum computers is decades away

Adam Back, an early Bitcoin holder, cypherpunk and co-founder of Bitcoin technology company Blockstream, said that BTC will not face a quantum threat in the next 20-40 years.

Back argued that there is plenty of time to adopt post-quantum cryptography standards, which already exist, before a quantum computer powerful enough to crack modern encryption and cybersecurity standards is built.

Market analyst James Check said that quantum computing does not threaten Bitcoin’s technology because users will migrate to quantum-resistant addresses by the time a viable quantum computer emerges.

The quantum threat poses more of a threat to Bitcoin’s market price because there is “no chance” that the Bitcoin community will agree to freeze Satoshi’s coins before a quantum computer hacks his wallets and puts the coins back into circulation, Check said.

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

Trending Cryptos

CitreaCTR

wrapped stUSDTWSTUSDT

Velodrome FinanceVELODROME

BrevisBREV

PancakeSwapCAKE

Strategy approves Bitcoin monetization program under new capital framework

Strategy has approved a board-authorized Bitcoin monetization program under a new Digital Credit Capital Framework, formally outlining for the first time how it may sell portions of its Bitcoin holdings. The framework allows the company to monetize Bitcoin to build up to $1.25 billion in U.S. dollar reserves, fund dividend and interest payments, and repurchase preferred securities and common stock. Executive Chairman Michael Saylor described it as an evolution in capital strategy, enabling Bitcoin to support shareholder value while remaining the primary treasury asset. The announcement accompanied disclosures of a $2.55 billion cash reserve, authorization for $2 billion in buybacks, and an unchanged Bitcoin holding of 847,363 BTC.

ambcrypto54m ago

Strategy approves Bitcoin monetization program under new capital framework

ambcrypto54m ago

In Such a Crowded Cross-border Payment Track, Where Does the Next Stop Lie in the Future?

The crowded cross-border payments industry faces a paradox: intense competition above water with financing and narratives, while beneath, price wars and shrinking margins in basic PSP services are common. The path forward lies not in simple "cross-border" solutions but in deep **localization**. Success requires mastering the fragmented and tightening regulations of fiat currencies in each market—the "last mile" of compliance, banking, and settlement. Many Chinese PSPs have succeeded by following Chinese merchants overseas but have not deeply penetrated mainstream local merchant ecosystems abroad. Their strong product capabilities need to be applied to new, complex markets. The future belongs to companies that evolve from single-channel providers to **cross-border capital network operators**. This means moving beyond competing on transaction fees to creating internal networks that optimize capital efficiency through multi-directional matching, netting, and position reuse across countries and currencies. For Web3 and stablecoins, the key is integration, not replacement. Stablecoins offer efficiency gains but cannot bypass the foundational trust, compliance, and legal frameworks of traditional finance. The realistic path is the gradual adoption and "taming" of Web3 technologies by established financial institutions. The ultimate solution is a **dual clearing infrastructure** combining deep local fiat capabilities (local accounts, compliance, banking) with lightweight stablecoin-native capabilities (on-chain settlement, wallets). The biggest opportunity lies not in oversaturated mainstream corridors but in complex, underserved regional corridors (e.g., specific CIS, Middle East-Southeast Asia, or Latin American trade pairs). The winners will be those who build hard-to-replicate, deep capabilities in these areas—acting as the essential "clearing shovels" or infrastructure providers. The future keywords are **more local, more networked, and more stablecoin-native**. High-profit opportunities remain in the non-standardized, difficult-to-replicate deep waters of the industry, requiring genuine on-the-ground presence and long-term patience.

链捕手1h ago

In Such a Crowded Cross-border Payment Track, Where Does the Next Stop Lie in the Future?

链捕手1h ago

Lightning Fast Five-Whip Combo! Strategy's Self-Rescue Plan Officially Released

Strategy, amidst the STRC de-pegging crisis, has unveiled its "Digital Credit Capital Framework" self-rescue plan. The five-part framework includes: 1) **Cash Reserves**: Management of ~$2.55B in USD reserves, dedicated solely to covering ~17.4 months of preferred stock dividends and debt interest, with a 12-month minimum coverage floor. 2) **Dividend Policy**: STRC's dividend yield rises to 12% from July 1st, with monthly reviews. Strategy clarifies de-pegging does not automatically trigger further hikes. 3) **Preferred Stock Buyback**: A $1B authorization, prioritizing STRC repurchases to support its price, reduce future dividend obligations, and signal commitment, using funds separate from dividend reserves. 4) **Common Stock Buyback**: A separate $1B authorization for MSTR stock, aimed at creating shareholder value when the stock is deemed undervalued, establishing a two-way capital management mechanism. 5) **Bitcoin Monetization**: Formal authorization to sell BTC (up to $1.25B earmarked) to build USD reserves, cover dividends/interest, or fund buybacks, marking a strategic shift where BTC becomes a managed asset rather than a strictly "hold-only" reserve. Market reaction saw MSTR and STRC shares rise pre-market, while BTC remained stable. The plan aims to restore confidence in STRC, ensure dividend sustainability, and reopen Strategy's funding channels.

Odaily星球日报2h ago

Lightning Fast Five-Whip Combo! Strategy's Self-Rescue Plan Officially Released

Odaily星球日报2h ago

The Sword of Damocles Over the AI Bull Market: Not Just in South Korea, Leverage in U.S. Stocks Is Equally Staggering

Global equity markets are hitting new highs driven by the AI boom, but the fuel behind this rally is becoming increasingly dangerous. From the US to South Korea, margin debt and leveraged ETF assets have soared to historical extremes, with their pro-cyclical nature amplifying tail risks in market volatility. In the US, margin debt rose 54% year-over-year in May, reaching a record $1.4 trillion. Simultaneously, leveraged ETF assets nearly doubled in under 70 days to over $220 billion by early June, with intense focus on tech, semiconductor indices, and single stocks like NVIDIA and Tesla. A warning sign appeared in South Korea, where the KOSPI index experienced extreme volatility, plunging 10% to trigger a circuit breaker, then sharply rebounding before halting again, partly driven by concentrated, highly leveraged positions in chip stocks. Analysts are raising alarms. Barclays warns that leveraged funds have accumulated roughly $300 billion in equity-linked derivatives since late March, creating a major source of non-discretionary risk. Morgan Stanley notes an unprecedented reliance on leveraged financing by marginal buyers, with financing becoming more expensive and scarce. Charles Schwab has tightened margin requirements. The core risk lies in the mechanics: leveraged ETFs and derivatives can create a "tail wags the dog" effect, where fund flows force market makers to buy underlying stocks, amplifying gains. This process reverses in a downturn, triggering a self-reinforcing selling spiral as funds deleverage. Additionally, the cost of borrowing to buy stocks has spiked to multi-year highs. Morgan Stanley warns this sets up a nonlinear risk: high financing costs stall momentum, a price decline triggers forced deleveraging, and selling pressure is multiplied by leverage, potentially leading to outsized declines. The current market breadth is narrow, with gains heavily concentrated in tech, making the rally vulnerable to a pullback in leveraged positions. In summary, the AI-fueled bull market is increasingly propped up by record leverage. When this trend reverses, the deleveraging process could magnify losses, posing a significant threat to financial stability.

marsbit2h ago

The Sword of Damocles Over the AI Bull Market: Not Just in South Korea, Leverage in U.S. Stocks Is Equally Staggering

marsbit2h ago

Solana targets $80 next – 3 factors helping SOL bulls sustain this rally

Solana (SOL) has demonstrated strong bullish momentum, defending the $70 support level and climbing to a local high of $73, currently trading near $72 with a 2.6% daily gain and a 39% surge in trading volume. Technical analysis reveals SOL holding above its 9-day and 21-day Moving Averages, with its Stochastic Momentum Index (SMI) showing a bullish crossover and trending upward, indicating strengthening short-term momentum. A key driver appears to be a shift in whale sentiment, with data showing concentrated large buy orders around $70-$71 and consistent negative exchange netflows, signaling accumulation. This combination of technical strength and whale demand suggests SOL could target the $80 resistance if buying pressure continues. However, a weakening in whale demand could see a retest below $70, with $62 as the next major support level.

ambcrypto2h ago

Solana targets $80 next – 3 factors helping SOL bulls sustain this rally

ambcrypto2h ago

Trading

Spot

Hot Articles

How to Buy WOO

Welcome to HTX.com! We've made purchasing WOO (WOO) simple and convenient. Follow our step-by-step guide to embark on your crypto journey.Step 1: Create Your HTX AccountUse your email or phone number to sign up for a free account on HTX. Experience a hassle-free registration journey and unlock all features.Get My AccountStep 2: Go to Buy Crypto and Choose Your Payment MethodCredit/Debit Card: Use your Visa or Mastercard to buy WOO (WOO) instantly.Balance: Use funds from your HTX account balance to trade seamlessly.Third Parties: We've added popular payment methods such as Google Pay and Apple Pay to enhance convenience.P2P: Trade directly with other users on HTX.Over-the-Counter (OTC): We offer tailor-made services and competitive exchange rates for traders.Step 3: Store Your WOO (WOO)After purchasing your WOO (WOO), store it in your HTX account. Alternatively, you can send it elsewhere via blockchain transfer or use it to trade other cryptocurrencies.Step 4: Trade WOO (WOO)Easily trade WOO (WOO) on HTX's spot market. Simply access your account, select your trading pair, execute your trades, and monitor in real-time. We offer a user-friendly experience for both beginners and seasoned traders.

2.0k Total ViewsPublished 2024.03.29Updated 2026.06.02

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of WOO (WOO) are presented below.