Nic Carter Raises Concerns on Bitcoin's Quantum Vulnerability: Q-Day to Arrive by 2035

A new article by Nic Carter, partner at Castle Island Ventures, raises alarms about the vulnerability of bitcoin before the emergence of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC). Carter believes that such an event will happen circa 2035, sooner than expected.

Nic Carter Awakens Quantum Concerns: Q-Day To Arrive In 2025

The Facts

Nic Carter, bitcoin proponent and partner at Castle Island Ventures, believes that the quantum menace toward bitcoin is real and that it might materialize by 2035.

In an article touching on bitcoin’s quantum vulnerability and the reasons that make this threat real, Carter details that a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC), a machine that can break Bitcoin, might appear by 2035, and that several developments support this claim.

Among these reasons are the rapid increase in the computing capacity of quantum machines and a rise in investments in quantum computing, with private firms investing billions in this regard.

Also, Carter points out that government agencies are concerned about the rise of effective quantum computers and are already preparing their encryption standards for a quantum world.

Finally, he states that bitcoiners should be especially worried about this matter, as Bitcoin itself would be considered a “bug bounty” for quantum supremacy, with billions just waiting to be snatched by the first country to develop this hypothetical machine.

Why It Is Important

The rise of a quantum computer capable of breaking Bitcoin’s encryption would alter the perception of Bitcoin as it exists today, prompting major changes and difficult decisions regarding Satoshi’s coins, for example.

Avoiding taking direct action to address these problems would cause a massive disruption of Bitcoin, potentially affecting ownership parameters and causing price disruptions as vulnerable tokens change hands on the fly.

Of course, this would not be limited only to bitcoin, as other encryption-based systems would also be affected.

Read more: Human Rights Foundation Raises Alarm Over ‘Quantum Threat’ to Bitcoin

Looking Forward

While Carter states that virtually all vulnerabilities can be addressed, action must begin now, as he assesses that Bitcoin upgrades have become “tricky and slow.”

If we want this implemented by 2030, we have to start thinking about it now. And based on all the data I’m seeing, I think this is warranted,” he concluded.

FAQ

• What is Nic Carter’s warning about quantum computing and Bitcoin?
  Nic Carter warns that a quantum computer capable of breaking Bitcoin’s encryption could emerge by 2035, posing a significant threat to its security.
• Why does Carter believe this quantum threat is credible?
  He cites the rapid increase in quantum computing capacity and rising investments, with billions being funneled into the development of CRQC technology.
• What concerns do government agencies have regarding quantum computing?
  Government agencies are preparing new encryption standards to counter the potential impacts of effective quantum computers on existing encryption systems.
• What could happen if Bitcoin’s encryption is compromised by quantum technology?
  A breach could disrupt Bitcoin’s ownership structure, leading to price volatility and affecting not just Bitcoin but all encryption-based systems.