The proposal, unveiled in San Francisco, outlines a multi-step plan to shield the Bitcoin network from potential quantum hacks capable of cracking cryptographic keys. Among its most striking ideas is a move to freeze Satoshi Nakamoto’s long-dormant wallet holdings—estimated at 1 million BTC—to prevent their potential theft in a future where quantum decryption becomes reality.

Quantum algorithms like Shor’s pose a serious risk, and recent studies suggest up to 25% of all Bitcoin could be compromised within the next decade. If exploited, this could trigger widespread losses and destabilize the market.

Lopp’s plan includes banning deposits to legacy addresses, locking coins untouched for five years, and enabling recovery via quantum-proof digital signatures. He isn’t alone in this effort—alternative solutions like BIP 360 have also proposed layered post-quantum safeguards with varying levels of complexity and tradeoffs.

Still, upgrading Bitcoin’s infrastructure for quantum resistance would require significant changes. Larger signature sizes mean bulkier transactions and increased block space usage, raising concerns for miners and wallet providers alike.

Lopp warns the threat is approaching faster than many expect. “We can’t wait until it’s urgent,” he said. “We need to prepare now—before quantum goes from theoretical to destructive.”

The post Bitcoin Developers Sound Alarm on Quantum Threat appeared first on Coindoo.

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Filed under: Bitcoin - @ July 19, 2025 6:16 pm