Galaxy: Bitcoin May Be Adapting to Quantum Threats

A new report from Galaxy Research suggests that Bitcoin may already be adapting to the long-term threat posed by quantum computing. The report found that only cryptocurrencies with exposed public keys are at risk from future quantum attacks. This includes older 'legacy' wallets, reused addresses, and certain custodial practices – categories that, by a broad definition, could account for millions of bitcoins. However, Bitcoin's architecture offers built-in protections. "Bitcoin's design is somewhat resilient to quantum attacks because public keys are only exposed when bitcoins are spent," Galaxy Research stated in the report. The firm pushed back against claims that developers are ignoring the issue, noting that "work on quantum resistance has been substantial and is accelerating across the ecosystem." The report stated, "Proposals like BIP 360 indicate that the technical foundations for post-quantum security are actively being developed."