The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) crypto assets working group has raised a crucial concern—protecting digital assets from the rise of quantum computing. According to a new proposal, without rapid adoption of quantum-resistant measures, trillions of dollars stored in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies could be at risk.
The “Q-Day” Threat
The proposal, titled Post-Quantum Framework for Financial Infrastructure (PQFIF) and authored by Daniel Bruno Corvelo Costa, highlights the risk of “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” — where attackers are already collecting encrypted data, intending to unlock it once powerful quantum machines become available.
Experts warn that Q-Day—the moment when quantum computers can break today’s cryptography—could arrive as early as 2028. Such a breakthrough could trigger catastrophic investor losses, disrupt payment systems, and deeply erode trust in markets.
The Plan: Transition to Quantum-Resistant Cryptography
PQFIF recommends:
Automated vulnerability assessments for digital platforms and exchangesPrioritizing protection of institutional wallets and critical infrastructureGradual migration to a hybrid system combining current and post-quantum cryptography
The plan integrates standards finalized by NIST in 2024, including FIPS 203–205 and HQC as a backup algorithm.
Bitcoin’s Own Defense Strategy
The Bitcoin community is also preparing its safeguards. In July, developers proposed a BIP titled “Post-Quantum Migration and Legacy Signature Sunset,” which outlines the gradual phase-out of today’s signature schemes.
The migration would occur in two phases:
Blocking BTC transactions to legacy addresses vulnerable to quantum attacksFreezing all balances held in those addresses after roughly five years, rendering them unspendable
This phased approach aims to neutralize the risk of compromised funds.
Experts Sound the Alarm
“The rise of quantum computing is the most serious threat to Bitcoin’s security in its entire history,” said David Carvalho, CEO of Naoris Protocol. He warned that current cryptography could be broken within five years—or even sooner.
👉 Both the SEC and developers are warning: without adopting quantum-resistant standards, the digital economy could face a shockwave surpassing all past crypto crises.
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SEC Warns: Quantum Computers Could Threaten Bitcoin and Ethereum, Systemic Risks Ahead
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) crypto assets working group has raised a crucial concern—protecting digital assets from the rise of quantum computing. According to a new proposal, without rapid adoption of quantum-resistant measures, trillions of dollars stored in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies could be at risk.
The “Q-Day” Threat The proposal, titled Post-Quantum Framework for Financial Infrastructure (PQFIF) and authored by Daniel Bruno Corvelo Costa, highlights the risk of “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” — where attackers are already collecting encrypted data, intending to unlock it once powerful quantum machines become available. Experts warn that Q-Day—the moment when quantum computers can break today’s cryptography—could arrive as early as 2028. Such a breakthrough could trigger catastrophic investor losses, disrupt payment systems, and deeply erode trust in markets.
The Plan: Transition to Quantum-Resistant Cryptography PQFIF recommends: Automated vulnerability assessments for digital platforms and exchangesPrioritizing protection of institutional wallets and critical infrastructureGradual migration to a hybrid system combining current and post-quantum cryptography The plan integrates standards finalized by NIST in 2024, including FIPS 203–205 and HQC as a backup algorithm.
Bitcoin’s Own Defense Strategy The Bitcoin community is also preparing its safeguards. In July, developers proposed a BIP titled “Post-Quantum Migration and Legacy Signature Sunset,” which outlines the gradual phase-out of today’s signature schemes. The migration would occur in two phases: Blocking BTC transactions to legacy addresses vulnerable to quantum attacksFreezing all balances held in those addresses after roughly five years, rendering them unspendable This phased approach aims to neutralize the risk of compromised funds.
Experts Sound the Alarm “The rise of quantum computing is the most serious threat to Bitcoin’s security in its entire history,” said David Carvalho, CEO of Naoris Protocol. He warned that current cryptography could be broken within five years—or even sooner.
👉 Both the SEC and developers are warning: without adopting quantum-resistant standards, the digital economy could face a shockwave surpassing all past crypto crises.
#SEC , #bitcoin , #Ethereum , #CyberSecurity , #blockchain
Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies! Notice: ,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“