Important update: Quantum Vulnerable Bitcoins Over Time
The Cointelegraph post features a graph tracking quantum-vulnerable Bitcoins from 2009 to 2020, using colors to categorize risks: purple for reused P2PKH coins, blue for P2PK coins, cyan for reused Segwit coins, red for total unsafe coins, and yellow for total coins. Initially, nearly all Bitcoins were in vulnerable P2PK addresses, but adoption of P2PKH and Segwit reduced this, though reuse kept 4-5 million coins at risk by 2020—about 25-30% of the supply. The post suggests quantum computers could crack old private keys, reviving lost Bitcoin, a scenario supported by the graph’s upward trend in vulnerable coins and web data on Shor’s algorithm’s threat to asymmetric cryptography. Follow-up posts propose solutions like $QANX and $CELL’s quantum-resistant platforms, while others (e.g., Diablov) suggest migration to post-quantum (PQ) addresses, though non-migrating users (including Satoshi) could lose access. The discussion reflects industry awareness, with Ledger and Trezor exploring PQC but lacking full solutions by mid-2025, relying on user practices to mitigate risks. Web sources (e.g., Deloitte, Tanium) emphasize the urgency of upgrading cryptography, noting banks face similar threats. The post underscores a critical juncture: while the quantum threat is 7-23 years away, proactive measures are essential. It raises questions about market stability if vulnerabilities are exploited, blending technical analysis with speculative intrigue about Satoshi’s hoard, making it a focal point for crypto enthusiasts concerned about future security.
