Solana Co-Founder Warns Bitcoin to Prepare for Quantum Computer Threat

Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko is calling on the Bitcoin community to act quickly against potential quantum computer attacks, warning that a breakthrough in the technology could arrive far sooner than many expect.

Speaking at the All-In Summit 2025 in a video published Friday, Yakovenko said there is a “50/50” chance that a significant advance in quantum computing will happen within five years. “We should migrate Bitcoin to a quantum-resistant signature scheme,” he urged, noting how rapidly innovations—especially in artificial intelligence—are moving from academic research to real-world applications.

Security Experts Sound the Alarm on Quantum Computer

Quantum computer, once powerful enough, could theoretically break the cryptographic systems that secure Bitcoin wallets and transactions. Bitcoin currently relies on the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm, which is nearly impossible to crack using traditional computers. But quantum technology might eventually solve the complex mathematical problems behind it, potentially exposing private keys and allowing unauthorized transfers.

David Carvalho, founder and chief scientist of Naoris Protocol, echoed these concerns earlier this year, suggesting that quantum machines could “plausibly rip” through Bitcoin’s cryptography in less than five years. Upgrading to a post-quantum encryption method would likely require a hard fork—an overhaul of the network’s code that many in the crypto community are reluctant to pursue.

Bitcoin Advocates Split on Timeline

Despite these warnings, prominent Bitcoin supporters believe the risk is still distant. Blockstream CEO Adam Back said the current quantum computer poses no immediate danger and predicted it could take “maybe 20 years” before they do. Samson Mow, founder of infrastructure firm Jan3, offered a similar view, estimating the timeline at about a decade and suggesting that “everything else will fail before Bitcoin fails.”

Yakovenko, however, maintains that preparation cannot wait. With technological advances accelerating, he argues that Bitcoin should transition to quantum-resistant cryptography sooner rather than later to ensure the long-term security of its network and the billions of dollars it secures.

The debate underscores a growing divide between those urging proactive defense and those confident that quantum computing is still years away from threatening the world’s largest cryptocurrency.