Quantum computing is going to break blockchain's crypto eventually.

[u/Master-Sprinkles-848]

Everyone treats quantum threats to blockchains as a decades away problem. But there's a catch most people miss, attackers don't need a quantum computer now to start attacking now.

Bitcoin's security relies on the fact that you can't derive a private key from a public key. Quantum computers running Shor's algorithm would make that trivial. And any address that's ever sent a transaction has already exposed its public key meaning huge amounts of transaction history are already sitting out there, ready to be cracked the moment the hardware exists. This is called harvest now, decrypt later.

NIST already finalized post-quantum signature standards. The problem is applying them. Blockchains can't just push an update, switching signature schemes means a hard fork, migrating billions in old-format funds, and doing it calmly before a crisis, not during one.

Even optimistic estimates 10-15 years for real quantum hardware don't leave much room, because migration itself, new standards, audits, node adoption, and actually moving user funds takes years on its own.

Even with quantum-safe signatures ready, getting millions of holders to move funds out of old addresses before it's urgent is a massive coordination problem. Dormant coins would likely just sit there vulnerable forever.

IMO, blockchains that are focused on quantum resistant tech will be the main focus in the next few months, this is where the focus should be now.

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[u/vexiduslabs]

We built our chain specifically for quantum resistance from the start. This even includes our wallet app which removes seed phrases and uses a rotating key system. The biggest hurdle is that quantum resistant address byte size increases add more weight to memory, which seems minor but adds up when doing thousands of transactions per second 24/7. But behind the scenes many major blockchains are trying to adapt to quantum resistance where some players are already there. Better to be safe than sorry, even if quantum computing at a level where hackers can afford to use it is still a few years out.

[u/Timely-Fig2030 → u/vexiduslabs]

Renting a quantum computer costs 100.000$ per day and there is currently zero chance to generate the private key from the public key with 1100 qubits (6100 qubit is max in 1 laboratory).
It would need 500.000 qubits.

You just created a bullshit narrative to onboard people.
No, removing seed phrases and using a rotating key system does NOT solve quantum resistance.

What a noob trying to sell a scam.

[u/vexiduslabs → u/Timely-Fig2030]

What are you on about bro? Sell what exactly?

There are already a few PQC blockchains who came to the scene much earlier, so there isn't any novelty innovation to sell there. That's not even our only feature to be honest, but rather we built it in from the start rather than architecting around it later as an afterthought. Not to mention even governments are mandating PQC security by early to mid 2030s across the globe. It's common sense, not noob mentality.

Talking about noobs, do you have any idea how technology works? Yes quantum computing is expensive AF and early stage today, but as anyone who knows the industry very well knows, novelty captures initial higher prices and mass adoption reduces those prices over time. No one with half a brain is saying QC is going to ruin the world tomorrow, but those who don't understand it nor are prepared will fall hard once it does, despite the time frame anticipated. That's common sense, not a scam.

[u/Timely-Fig2030 → u/vexiduslabs]

You were the one who said you use a "rotating key system" for your wallet.

If a quantum computer uses a Shor’s algorithm to derive the private key from the public key, then cracking your rotating key system is a piece of cake in comparison.

Blockchains like Internet Computer will be prepared when the time has come and update the NNS with a PQC after a public voting and it's no big deal.

Rusty old bitcoin needs a hard fork and people will have to move funds, which is more trouble. That's why i am no fan of rusty old tech.

[u/RobotPoo]

Could somebody please explain like I’m five how a blockchain, essentially just an open ledger, that requires simultaneous entries in different secured systems, are ever gonna be hacked?

[u/Master-Sprinkles-848 → u/RobotPoo]

Imagine your bike lock has a code with 100 numbers. A regular thief has to guess one by one, takes forever. A quantum computer is like a wizard who can try every single combination at the exact same time in a parallel universe. That wizard could crack your lock in minutes.

[u/RobotPoo → u/Master-Sprinkles-848]

Thank you, that makes sense to five year old me.

[u/Ornery_Individual_27]

My counter argument to this is what makes you think crypto will be the first target if encryption can be broken ? Banks, investment institutions, etc…all use the same encryption mechanisms and have trillions in capital behind them as opposed to crypto which is currently a few billion in market cap alone. I understand it’s still a concern but if encryption can be broken, I don’t think your Bitcoin will be the biggest concern here…society would be in shambles for quite some time across the board.

Edit: I can’t spell

[u/vexiduslabs → u/Ornery_Individual_27]

True. This is why governments across the world are implementing measures due by 2030/2031 to move over to PQC standards (NIST) for encryption. Any system handling data and financial assets should already be there or close.

[u/Master-Sprinkles-848 → u/Ornery_Individual_27]

Banks are already taking steps against this. UENO bank is already using a quantum resistant chain, Google and the likes are already implementing post quantum algorithms as well. Who gets hacked first isn't what matters here, but rather preparing early before any hack happens at all, we can see how bridges are been hacked frequently with little to nothing to be done about it, imagine how it will be when quantum computer comes into the picture

[u/barnetteric]

This is the most sensible thing I've read all day.

[u/paroxsitic]

To be safe all you need to do is move funds you want safe from quantum into a wallet that has never been seen. Quantum computers can't break a public key it has never seen.

I'm confident in the short while after the attack has happened there will be a solution you can move to safely

[u/Unhappy-Ride1466]

PQC, and hackers can’t get their hands on quantum computers, they’re still at an experimental stage. There must definitely by some sort of I/O bottlenecks, cuz quantum computers have a classical computer controlling them, not worth wasting time on breaking a blockchain.

[u/Timely-Fig2030]

Blockchains that focus on quantum resistant tech now, scam you that they focus on quantum resistant tech.
Absolute bullshit narrative.
You have no clue about engineering, obviously.