Coinbase Warning: Quantum Computing Could Threaten Bitcoin Security
Coinbase’s head of global investment research has warned that advances in quantum computing could pose a serious threat to Bitcoin by targeting the elliptic-curve cryptography (secp256k1) that secures private keys and signatures. If a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer becomes practical, addresses with exposed public keys could be vulnerable to private-key recovery, creating direct risk for on-chain funds.
Experts differ on timelines and feasibility, but the warning underscores a real operational concern for long-term holders, custodians and exchanges. The industry response may include accelerating post-quantum signature research, updating wallet software, and pushing best practices such as avoiding address reuse and planning secure migration paths. Coinbase’s notice highlights that even theoretical cryptographic threats are now shaping governance and risk planning across crypto firms.