Experts warn that sufficiently powerful quantum computers could break elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), potentially threatening the security of crypto networks.
According to Ledger’s CTO, Charles Guillemet, blockchain security currently relies heavily on ECC—the foundation of public and private key systems. Although not an immediate risk, once quantum computers reach enough computational power, ECC could be broken, allowing private keys to be derived from exposed public keys.
Guillemet notes that the view that Bitcoin’s public keys “generally do not appear on-chain” is inaccurate. In reality, public keys are exposed when users make spending transactions, and many keys have been publicly available since early on due to pay-to-public-key (P2PK) mechanisms or address reuse.
In light of this threat, he emphasizes that a “wait-and-see” strategy is not suitable, as preparations need to start early—before quantum capabilities become a reality.
The good news is that post-quantum cryptography (PQC) has developed quantum-resistant signature schemes, mainly in two categories: hash-based and lattice-based. Hash-based schemes are large, conservative, and well-studied; while lattice-based schemes are more modern, scalable, but lack long-term proven security.
However, Guillemet points out that the challenge is not only mathematical but also involves securely implementing these algorithms in hardware signers, especially under resource constraints of Secure Elements. Ledger is currently testing pure software implementation of PQC within Secure Elements, but RAM limitations and computational costs remain significant barriers.
Some experts estimate that around 7 million BTC could be at risk in an advanced quantum scenario, including about 1 million BTC believed to belong to Satoshi Nakamoto. With a total circulating supply of approximately 19.99 million BTC, early coins with publicly exposed on-chain private keys could become targets if cryptography is broken.
The crypto community has already begun taking action. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently outlined a roadmap to protect the Ethereum network from long-term quantum risks.
While quantum computers capable of breaking modern cryptography do not yet exist, experts believe early preparation is essential to ensure the long-term security of global digital asset infrastructure.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Phantom crypto wallet crashes! During the Airdrop period, prices were messed up, sparking a wave of user claims.
Phantom Wallet malfunctioned during the airdrop period, causing abnormal token prices and account balances to display. Although the assets are safe, users suffered trading losses, triggering compensation demands and a trust crisis. The incident also increased concerns about blockchain security, and some malicious actors may take advantage of the chaos to launch phishing attacks. Although the technical issue has been fixed, improvements are still needed to the user experience and system stability.
CryptoCity2h ago
Crypto wallet Phantom crashes big time! During the airdrop period, prices went haywire, sparking a wave of user claims for compensation
Phantom Wallet experienced a malfunction during the airdrop period, causing the token price and account balances to display abnormally. Although the assets were safe, users suffered transaction losses, triggering compensation requests and a crisis of trust. The incident also heightened concerns about blockchain security, as some bad actors may take advantage of the chaos to launch phishing attacks. While the technical issue has been fixed, improvements are still needed for the user experience and system stability.
CryptoCity5h ago
Crypto wallet Phantom crashes big time! During the air drop period, prices got mixed up, triggering a wave of user claims for compensation
Phantom Wallet experienced a malfunction during the airdrop period, causing abnormal token prices and account balances to display. Although users’ assets were safe, users suffered transaction losses, leading to compensation requests and a trust crisis. The incident also heightened concerns about blockchain security, and some bad actors may take advantage of the chaos to launch phishing attacks. While the technical issue has been fixed, improvements are still needed for the user experience and system stability.
CryptoCity8h ago
A Trump family crypto project, WLFI, borrows $31.4 million via Dolomite, and controversy has been sparked by overlapping adviser roles
A crypto project founded by the Trump family, WLFI, has drawn market attention to liquidity risk and alleged insider connections through lending facilitated by Dolomite. WLFI pledges stablecoins USD1 and platform tokens, borrows $31.4 million, and moves it to a CEX that is suspected to be used for exchanging it into fiat currency. WLFI has a high concentration level and also carries liquidation risk. On-chain data shows that WLFI has recently transferred a large amount of tokens, with the destination unclear, and has not yet responded regarding the transactions.
GateNews9h ago
A certain CEX participated in an international operation led by the UK’s NCA to crack down on authorized phishing scams
A certain CEX participated in an "Operation Atlantic" operation led by the U.K. National Crime Agency to crack down on crypto and investment scams, with a particular focus on authorized phishing schemes. The CEX provided on-site support, helped identify victims and malicious websites, and shared intelligence with law enforcement agencies, protecting thousands of potential victims.
GateNews9h ago
ZachXBT: Spartans co-founder is allegedly behind the Blockdag pre-sale scam, raising over $300 million
On-chain sleuth ZachXBT accuses Gurhan Kiziloz, the suspected co-founder of the casino platform Spartans, of spearheading the Blockdag Network project, allegedly luring retail investors into fundraising with false promotion of $300 million, and withdrawing the funds to the Middle East within two years. Gurhan is also suspected of lavish spending and using public relations to maintain his image.
GateNews9h ago
