Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, has once again raised concerns about the rise of quantum computing technology.
He warned that Bitcoin’s encryption system could face serious risks as quantum computers advance, and that the entire network may soon be forced to migrate to a new system.
📌 Warning at All-In Summit 2025
Speaking at the All-In Summit 2025, Yakovenko said there is a 50% chance that within the next five years, quantum computers will reach a stage where they can successfully run Shor’s Algorithm. This algorithm has the potential to directly break the signature system that secures Bitcoin transactions.
Because of this, Yakovenko stressed the importance of moving quickly to a quantum-resistant encryption system, warning that failure to do so could severely compromise Bitcoin’s network security.
📌 The Threat of Shor’s Algorithm
While Bitcoin uses Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) instead of RSA, both systems remain vulnerable to attacks from Shor’s Algorithm. This algorithm can calculate cryptographic keys much faster than previously thought possible.
Google’s Quantum AI researcher Craig Gidney has issued similar warnings, noting that the quantum resources required to break RSA encryption have dropped 20-fold compared to earlier estimates. This indicates that traditional security barriers are gradually becoming weaker.
📌 Risks and Opportunities Ahead
The rapid progress of quantum computing—highlighted by chips like Google’s Willow—could transform industries much like AI has. However, for the crypto world, this same technology threatens the foundational encryption systems used in Bitcoin and most blockchains.
Yakovenko concluded by saying:
“This is a clear sign that the time has come for Bitcoin developers to start seriously preparing for the quantum era by upgrading their encryption systems.”