Crypto Industry Shifts to Post-Quantum Cryptography; 35-50% of Bitcoin's Supply at Risk

According to Reuters, the cryptocurrency industry is preparing for quantum computing threats, with 35-50% of Bitcoin's circulating supply potentially exposed to quantum attacks. The urgency intensified following March 2026 research from Google suggesting quantum computers capable of attacking current cryptography may arrive sooner than previously estimated. A June 2026 working paper cited similar concerns, while President Donald Trump issued quantum-focused executive orders last month as part of efforts to strengthen U.S. quantum capability.

Major blockchain projects are advancing post-quantum cryptography migrations. The Ethereum Foundation is targeting 2029 for full quantum protection, while the Algorand Foundation plans to support post-quantum accounts later this year. However, none of the top 20 blockchains has yet implemented a post-quantum signature algorithm, and Bitcoin faces particular challenges due to its decentralized development structure.