Bitcoin Devs Propose Nuclear Option: Freezing Quantum-Vulnerable Wallets—Including Satoshi’s
Bitcoin's guardians are drafting a radical defense against the quantum apocalypse—and no one gets a free pass.
The Quantum Countdown Begins
Core developers are floating a protocol change that would freeze wallets vulnerable to quantum attacks, potentially locking 1M+ BTC (including Satoshi's legendary stash). The move preempts future threats—but sets a dangerous precedent for network intervention.
Security vs Sovereignty
The proposal would blacklist addresses using outdated cryptographic schemes, forcing holders to migrate funds. While experts agree quantum computers could eventually crack these keys, purists scream hypocrisy—'This reeks of the same centralized control Bitcoin was built to destroy,' tweeted former Blockstream CSO Samson Mow.
Wall Street Snickers
Goldman analysts quipped 'Finally, a crypto freeze that isn't just bankrupt exchanges locking up customer funds.' Meanwhile, ETH developers quietly shelved similar plans last quarter—apparently content to let quantum hackers redistribute wealth 'the Web3 way.'
The debate exposes crypto's existential tightrope walk: Innovate fast enough to survive tomorrow's threats—without becoming the very system you sought to replace.
But Why Now?
Bitcoin’s cryptography has never faced an existential threat and still doesn’t, except pre-emptive ones that can possibly target early wallets. Researchers say quantum computers capable of breaking ECDSA may arrive as soon as 2027.
A May report by CoinDesk flagged a new study suggesting that breaking RSA encryption with quantum computers may require 20 times fewer resources than previously thought.
Although Bitcoin uses elliptic curve cryptography, it remains vulnerable to quantum attacks similar to those threatening RSA. Current quantum computers are not yet capable of breaking these encryption methods, but research is rapidly advancing.
Earlier in July, eight legacy Bitcoin wallets moved over $8.5 billion worth of 'Satoshi-era' bitcoin after 15 years of dormancy — sparking speculation, among some, about moving to wallets with improved security as
That’s the red line for Lopp and the team.
Around 25% of all bitcoin have exposed their public keys, meaning they’re vulnerable to a “Q-day” style attack. If attackers are patient, they could use quantum tools to quietly drain dormant wallets over time without tripping alarms.
“Quantum attackers could compute the private key for known public keys then transfer all funds weeks or months later, in a covert bleed to not alert chain watchers,” the draft proposal stated. “Q-Day may be only known much later if the attack withholds broadcasting transactions in order to postpone revealing their capabilities.”
The proposal is still in draft stage and has no BIP number yet. And it may be the only way Bitcoin survives a quantum future.
