Adam Back on Bitcoin's Quantum Cryptography Readiness
- Adam Back highlights Bitcoin’s path to quantum-resistant cryptography.
- Quantum threat not expected for 20–40 years.
- Integrating quantum-ready features via soft-forks feasible.
Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream, reassures on November 15, 2025, that Bitcoin can adapt its cryptographic signatures to withstand future quantum computing threats.
Back emphasizes established upgrade paths and tools, negating any immediate risk to Bitcoin’s cryptographic security, suggesting a secure future amid emerging quantum computing advancements.
Bitcoin can easily upgrade to quantum-ready signatures says Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream. His comments come amidst growing interest in cryptocurrencies’ preparedness against potential future cryptographic challenges posed by quantum computing technologies.
Back highlights established paths for upgrading Bitcoin’s signature schemes. Current focus is on incorporating post-quantum algorithms through soft-fork methods. This approach could utilize protocols such as NIST’s SLH-DSA to enhance signature security over time.
Cryptography experts and investors are divided over quantum computing’s timeline impact on Bitcoin. While some view immediate upgrades as necessary, others, like Back, expect no existential threat in the next two decades, suggesting a pragmatic upgrade timeline.
“Quantum systems capable of breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography are unlikely to emerge for another 20-40 years… Bitcoin can add over time, as the evaluation continues and be quantum-ready, long before cryptographically relevant quantum computers arrive.” — Adam Back, CEO, Blockstream
The conversation around quantum threats has uncertain yet significant financial implications. While detailed planning for future-proofing the network proceeds, the market impact remains speculative, hinging on advancements in quantum computer capabilities.
Gabor Gurbacs, a digital asset strategist, echoes the importance of modular upgrades, advocating for implementing SLH-DSA/SPHINCS+ without disrupting Bitcoin’s monetary system. This reflects a consensus-layer approach combining security with the sustainability of existing technologies.
Industry-wide discussion is emphasizing the alignment of regulatory standards with decentralization principles. As seen historically, Bitcoin’s seamless upgrades, such as Taproot, reinforce confidence in its adaptable infrastructure, assuring stakeholders of Bitcoin’s resilience to emerging technological challenges.
