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Story Highlights

• Coinbase warns quantum computing could threaten crypto security, urging early preparation.

• Experts say wallet-level cryptography faces highest risk, while blockchain infrastructure like Bitcoin remains largely secure.

  

• Charles Hoskinson criticizes Bitcoin’s approach, calling SPHINCS+ secure but limited and lacking long-term flexibility.

  

Coinbase’s Quantum Advisory Board has released a new report warning that quantum computing could one day affect crypto security. There is no immediate risk, but it says the industry should start preparing early.?

The discussion over Quantum Risk has drawn criticism from Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson over Bitcoin’s chosen security path.

Coinbase Quantum Report Flags Future Risk to Crypto Security

In an X post, Coinbase CSO Philip Martin said that they have released their first detailed paper on how quantum computers could affect blockchain systems.

The board includes researchers from top institutions like Stanford, UT Austin, UC Santa Barbara, and Bar-Ilan University, along with experts from major crypto projects. 

Experts say quantum computing is not an immediate threat right now, but it could become a real risk in the future. Today’s machines are not strong enough to break blockchain security, but this could change within the next decade.

The main concern is not the blockchain itself, but user wallets. The system that proves ownership of funds could become weak, especially for wallets where key data is already public.

The council clearly says the industry should start preparing now, because waiting too long could make the problem much harder to fix.

What Is Actually at Risk?

Not all parts of crypto face the same risk. Bitcoin’s core system, like mining and transaction history, is mostly safe.

The main risk is at the wallet level. Around 6.9 million BTC could be exposed because their keys are already public. If quantum computers become powerful, they could break these signatures and access funds.

Proof-of-stake networks also have extra risk because of how validators work. So, the bigger issue is user security, not the blockchain itself.

Upgrading Crypto Will Be a Big Challenge

Solutions already exist.

Quantum-resistant cryptography has been in development for years, and new standards have already been approved.

But the real challenge is implementation.

Upgrading millions of wallets, networks, and systems will take years and coordination. These new systems are also heavier, which could affect speed and costs.

Coinbase says it is working with partners and developers to ensure systems are ready when the transition becomes necessary, stressing that no single company can solve this alone.

Charles Hoskinson Questions Bitcoin’s Strategy

When it comes to the quantum computing threat, Charles Hoskinson has raised strong concerns about Bitcoin’s approach. He recently criticized Adam Back’s approcehe of use of SPHINCS+, a quantum-safe signature system, calling it safe but too limited and inefficient.

According to him, this approach solves the problem but does not improve Bitcoin’s overall capabilities. He believes a more advanced and adaptable solution should have been considered.

He also warned that once Bitcoin adopts a system, changing it later could take years.

However, quantum risk is not urgent, but ignoring it now could become a problem later.