Muneeb Ali, founder of the Bitcoin layer-2 network Stacks, stated that fears regarding quantum computing are currently hindering institutional investment in Bitcoin. He emphasized that the network requires a clear roadmap for security upgrades to maintain investor trust.
Ali warned that Bitcoin faces increased risks if developers do not achieve significant progress toward quantum resistance by 2028. He noted that implementing such upgrades is a multi-year process, which also requires time for users to migrate their assets to new, secure addresses.
Citing guidance from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, Ali identified 2030 as a target for transitioning to quantum-resistant security. However, he suggested that advancements in artificial intelligence could accelerate the development of quantum computers, potentially moving this deadline to 2029.
While some argue the threat is distant, Ali maintains that the lack of a consensus on urgency undermines confidence. He noted that a successful quantum attack on Bitcoin would negatively impact the entire cryptocurrency industry, regardless of individual project protections.
Developers are actively researching mitigation strategies. In September, StarkWare reported a 79% reduction in the computing cost for experimental quantum-resistant Bitcoin transactions following a weeklong optimization challenge. The company views this as a last-resort measure and continues to advocate for protocol-level upgrades.
