Bitcoin Faces Quantum Threat: Potential Nakamoto Return Discussed

Joseph Chalom of SharpLink Gaming suggests Satoshi Nakamoto may reappear if Bitcoin’s security is threatened by quantum computing, discussed at the Quantum Bitcoin Summit in San Francisco.

The threat of quantum computing highlights potential vulnerabilities in Bitcoin’s core cryptography, prompting urgent discussions about its future security measures and the role of dormant funds.

Quantum Advances Threaten 25% of Bitcoin Holdings

Bitcoin’s cryptographic infrastructure is at risk due to advancements in quantum computing. Joseph Chalom, Co-CEO of SharpLink Gaming, posits that if a threat materializes, Satoshi Nakamoto might emerge to guide protocol decisions. Jameson Lopp and Daniel Bruno Corvelo Costa are key figures in forging quantum-resistant frameworks, given the looming threat.

A hard fork may be necessary to protect Bitcoin, while freezing vulnerable, inactive wallets is also under consideration. This includes those linked to Satoshi Nakamoto, which currently comprise about 25% of Bitcoin’s supply, leaving substantial value exposed.

Jameson Lopp, CTO, Casa, “Bitcoin’s current signatures (ECDSA/Schnorr) will be a tantalizing target: any UTXO that has ever exposed its public key on-chain (roughly 25% of all bitcoin) could be stolen by a cryptographically relevant quantum computer.”

The cryptocurrency community is engaged in rigorous debate. Key figures propose varied solutions, with no official consensus yet. Jameson Lopp stresses the threat to Bitcoin’s current cryptography, urging the need for migration to safeguard these dormant assets.

Regulatory Shifts and Solutions Urged by Top Experts

Did you know? In 2018, a vulnerability in Bitcoin’s inflation bug (CVE-2018-17144) posed a similar unprecedented cryptographic risk, marked by rapid community response — though never at the scale of a quantum threat.

Bitcoin (BTC) holds a market cap of $formatNumber(2214195308872, 2) with a trading volume over $formatNumber(25502723449.73, 2) as of September 7, 2025. Its price is now $111,168.64, showing a 0.27% 24-hour increase. (CoinMarketCap)

Coincu suggests regulatory and technical shifts are pivotal to mitigate systemic risks posed by quantum computers. Long-term measures could redefine cryptographic protocols globally, with significant implications for financial markets and investor confidence.