# Crypto Alliance Forms as Quantum Threat Endangers 6.4 Million Bitcoin

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/crypto-alliance-forms-as-quantum-threat-endangers-6-4-million-bitcoin-22dc69
- Published: 2026-10-16T11:31:47Z
- Category: crypto; sentiment: neutral; impact: medium
- Symbols: [BITSTAMP:BTCUSD](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/BITSTAMP-BTCUSD)
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Nine crypto security firms and blockchain organizations have launched the Quantum Alliance to defend major blockchains against future quantum-computing threats. The group estimates that roughly 6.4 million Bitcoin (BITSTAMP:BTCUSD), representing about 30.2% of the total supply, could eventually become exposed to attacks because their public keys are already visible. The announcement comes as Bitcoin trades at $81,600, down 0.64% for the day.

While no quantum computer capable of breaking modern cryptography exists today, industry experts are divided on when the technology will mature. Richard Carbaj, chief technology officer at Post-Quantum Labs, pointed to 2028 as a realistic timeline. A central point of concern is the estimated 1.1 million Bitcoin held by creator Satoshi Nakamoto. Industry leaders disagree on how to protect vulnerable funds, with some favoring asset freezes and others warning that freezing wallets sets a dangerous precedent for property rights.

To prepare for future risks, the Quantum Alliance—which includes participants such as Hacken, Quantus, and Charles Hoskinson's Midnight Foundation—plans to set common security testing standards and migration guidelines. However, updating Bitcoin's underlying digital signature system will require broad agreement across developers, miners, exchanges, wallet providers, and users.

## Key points

- Nine crypto organizations formed the Quantum Alliance to address quantum computing risks to Bitcoin and Ether.
- About 6.4 million Bitcoin, or 30.2% of total supply, could become vulnerable because their public keys are exposed.
- Experts estimate quantum attack capabilities could emerge as early as 2028, though no current quantum computers can break encryption.
- Updating Bitcoin to quantum-resistant signatures will require wide consensus among developers, miners, exchanges, and users.

## Questions and answers

### Are Bitcoin holdings at immediate risk from quantum computers?

No, current quantum computers lack the processing power to break existing cryptographic systems. However, wallets with exposed public keys could become vulnerable if powerful quantum computers are developed in the future.

### How many Bitcoins could be vulnerable to future quantum attacks?

The Quantum Alliance estimates that approximately 6.4 million Bitcoin, or about 30.2% of the total supply, could eventually be exposed because their public keys are already visible on the blockchain.

### What is the Quantum Alliance planning to do?

The alliance plans to establish unified security testing standards and create guidelines to help blockchains transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic systems.