The quantum threat to Bitcoin
According to research by analytics firm CoinShares, only about 10,000 Bitcoins may be vulnerable to quantum computer attacks. This is a small fraction of the total Bitcoin supply, which exceeds 19 million coins.
According to CoinShares experts, most of the Bitcoin vulnerable to quantum attacks is held in wallets with a balance of less than 100 BTC. Even with advanced quantum computing, it could take a millennium to hack each such wallet.
The risk of quantum hacking arises from the peculiarities of the cryptography used in the Bitcoin blockchain. Current encryption algorithms may be compromised by powerful quantum computers, which are still in development. However, the creation of full-fledged quantum systems capable of cracking Bitcoin is still very far away.
Nevertheless, cryptocurrency developers are already working on post-quantum algorithms that will be resistant to quantum computer attacks. This will help ensure the long-term security of blockchains.
Conclusion
Although the risk of quantum hacking of Bitcoin exists, it only affects a small fraction of the coins. Most Bitcoin holders can rest assured that their funds are safe in the near future. Cryptocurrency developers are also actively working to solve this problem.