CoinDesk Podcast Network The Blockspace Pod: Unraveling Bitcoin's Quantum Problem
Jan 10, 2026
Dive into the existential threat quantum computing poses to Bitcoin as Shor’s algorithm challenges encryption standards. Discover the difference between bits and qubits and learn why approximately 2-4 million bitcoins are currently at risk. The discussion explores Satoshi's vulnerable stash of nearly 1 million BTC and debates whether to freeze or preserve these funds. As the window for action narrows, hear about NIST's post-quantum standards and the massive planning hurdles the Bitcoin network faces to avert disaster.
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Quantum Power Is Problem-Specific
- Quantum computers exploit superposition, entanglement, and interference to solve specific structured problems.
- They are not generically faster for everyday tasks but excel at certain cryptographic and mathematical problems.
Shor's Algorithm Unlocks Asymmetric Crypto
- Shor's algorithm finds hidden periods in number operations to invert hard math problems.
- That ability undermines asymmetric cryptography like RSA and elliptic curve by revealing private keys from public data.
Public Keys vs Address Hashes Matter
- Bitcoin derives public keys from 256-bit private keys via elliptic curves, creating an asymmetry Shor can break.
- However, most Bitcoin addresses publish a hash of the public key, which Shor's algorithm cannot directly reverse.