A stark warning from Google researchers that quantum computers could crack Bitcoin private keys in under nine minutes has sparked a radical new defense: a proposal to preemptively freeze the legendary $74 billion Bitcoin fortune attributed to Satoshi Nakamoto. The move aims to safeguard the network's foundational assets against a future quantum attack, sending shockwaves through the crypto community and raising urgent questions about the long-term security of digital assets.

Satoshi’s Bitcoins To Be Frozen?

According to a new proposal, BIP-361, Satoshi’s Bitcoin (BTC) holdings could be frozen to protect them from quantum threats. Cypherpunk Jameson Lopp, and five other co-authors, want to freeze Satoshi’s coins before quantum computers become publicly available. The move is called “Post Quantum Migration and Legacy Signature Sunset.”

LATEST: Cypherpunk Jameson Lopp and co-authors propose BIP-361 to freeze quantum-vulnerable Bitcoin, including Satoshi's $74B stash, before quantum computers can steal them. pic.twitter.com/vy8vNkJHEL

While Bitcoin (BTC) is lacking in its post-quantum preparedness, Ethereum (ETH) has already started working on quantum protection.

The era of quantum computers may pose substantial threats to the cryptocurrency sector. Projects that aren’t ready for post-quantum protection may lost interest, or shutdown entirely.

Will BTC Hit $1 Million Before The Advent Of Quantum Computers?

BTC has long been projected to hit the $1 million mark, given its limited supply. Many industry experts, such as Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Ark Invest CEP Cathie Wood, Strategy chief Michael Saylor, among others, have predicted BTC to eventually cross the seven-digit price level. Many even anticipate BTC to hit the $1 million mark by the end of this decade.

However, quantum computers could present substantial challenges to Bitcoin’s (BTC) journey to the $1 million mark. Nonetheless, if the BTC development team makes developments for post-quantum protection, it could greatly boost the asset’s price.