According to developer and Casa co-founder Jameson Lopp, migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum standards could take 5–10 years. He emphasizes that the Bitcoin protocol is more difficult to update than centralized software due to its distributed consensus, making the process lengthy and technically challenging.
Why Bitcoin's Transition to Post-Quantum Standards Will Take 5-10 Years
Jameson Lopp's View on the Timeline
Lopp states plainly that moving Bitcoin to post-quantum solutions will require at least 5–10 years of work. He notes that this involves not only coding new algorithms but also coordinating network-wide agreement, which slows the process compared to centralized projects.
Challenges in Updating the Bitcoin Protocol
The main technical barrier is Bitcoin's distributed consensus model: changes affect many network participants and require broad agreement. Any protocol updates must be implemented carefully to avoid breaking compatibility and compromising existing users' security.
Comparison with Centralized Software
In centralized products, updates roll out faster because a single organization makes decisions and distributes changes centrally. This approach is impossible in Bitcoin, so adapting to new cryptographic schemes takes more time and coordination.
Expert Opinions on the Quantum Threat to Bitcoin
Adam Back and Jameson Lopp on the Near-Term Threat
Lopp agrees with Adam Back of Blockstream that quantum computers do not pose an immediate threat to Bitcoin. However, Lopp stresses the importance of preparation and vigilance, adopting a "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" approach.
Pierre Rochard on the Cost of a Quantum Attack
Pierre Rochard points out that a quantum computer attack on Bitcoin would be so expensive it would require collective spending and possibly government subsidies. This perspective highlights the economic aspect and costs associated with any potential hacking attempt.
Samson Mow on Quantum Computers' Ability to Hack Bitcoin
Samson Mow expresses skepticism about quantum computers' practical ability to effectively break Bitcoin's security without significant algorithmic improvements. His comment adds doubt about the feasibility of such attacks in the near future.
Charles Edwards on Quantum Computing's Impact on BTC Price
Charles Edwards warns about the potential impact of quantum computing issues on BTC's price and urges node operators to take protective measures. He advocates implementing Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) 360, which introduces a quantum-resistant signature scheme for the network.
Debates within the community remain active: some participants believe solutions are available and fundable, while others call for caution when making protocol changes. These discussions reflect differing views between proponents of protocol stability and those pressing for immediate action. For a detailed analysis of price impact, see the article on a possible drop below $50K in 2028, and for internal developer debates, read about the discussion between Adam Back and other participants.
Solutions to Protect Bitcoin from Quantum Computers
Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) 360
BIP 360 is proposed as a technical path to implement a quantum-resistant signature scheme in Bitcoin; Charles Edwards calls on node operators to support this approach. Implementing such changes requires network consensus and careful coordination, as Lopp previously warned.
Views on Funding Post-Quantum Solutions
Some participants believe funding for post-quantum measures is available not only through government sources but also via nonprofits and venture capital. Meanwhile, Pierre Rochard raises the issue that an attack attempt could escalate costs into a collective problem requiring subsidies.
The Role of Bitcoin Node Operators in Security
Node operators play a key role: their readiness to adopt and apply proposals like BIP 360 affects the network's adaptation speed. Supporting and testing quantum-resistant schemes at the node level is a practical step to prepare the network for future changes.
Why This Matters
If you mine with 1 to 1000 devices in Russia, this topic directly concerns the long-term sustainability of the network and the value of your assets. Currently, according to Lopp and Back, there is no immediate technical threat, so urgent hardware actions are generally unnecessary.
Nevertheless, warnings about price risks and calls to implement BIP 360 indicate potential market reactions or future software update needs. For small miners, this primarily signals the importance of monitoring protocol proposals and node software updates.
What to Do?
Brief practical steps for miners with small equipment fleets: follow discussions around BIP 360 and client software releases, check notifications from your node and wallet developers, and stay calm during short-term market fluctuations.
- Subscribe to official developer channels and BIP 360 news to receive timely information about releases and tests.
- Maintain up-to-date backups of wallets and node configurations; readiness to update reduces operational risks.
- Avoid rash decisions based on rumors: rely on official developer communications and recognized protocol proposals.
- If you operate a node, participate in tests and discussions to understand the implications of implementing quantum-resistant schemes.
Overall, for most miners, the key is to observe developments and be prepared for gradual software updates rather than emergency hardware changes.
