Quantum Threat to Bitcoin: Trust Crumbles Faster Than Code!

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The founder of Capriole Investments has explained how the Quantum Computing threat to Bitcoin can cause a widespread collapse in trust-because nothing says “chaos” like a machine that can crack encryption while you’re still figuring out how to use a smartphone.

Satoshi’s Bitcoin Not The Main Quantum Risk

In a new post on X, Capriole Investments founder Charles Edwards has talked about what the real risk of Quantum Computing could be to Bitcoin. “Quantum Computing” is an emerging class of computers that could, in theory, be used to decode encryption used to secure networks like BTC. Or, as your grandma would say, “Why don’t they just build a time machine and steal the coins before they’re even mined?”

Quantum Computing has been an “upcoming” technology for a while now, but lately, it has gained more traction in the news following some advancements. This has naturally also encouraged discourse in the cryptocurrency community about what it could mean for digital assets. Spoiler: It’s not about the coins. It’s about the panic.

In the context of Bitcoin, the risk that’s mainly cited is that many old wallets have their public keys exposed. Entities with Quantum computers may be able to decode private keys from these public keys, thus gaining access to the wallets. Because nothing says “security” like leaving your front door unlocked and then blaming the burglar for being too clever.

A chunk of the supply is vulnerable to such an attack, including the tokens held by Satoshi, BTC’s pseudonymous creator. Some have speculated that a Quantum computer owner could dump these coins on the market, causing a price crash. Others, though, have argued that the sector may be able to absorb the selling pressure from these tokens. Which is like saying, “Don’t worry, the Titanic can handle a few more holes.”

Edwards, however, dismissed this as the primary concern. “For those who say it doesn’t matter if Satoshi’s coins get taken by a Quantum hacker, the risk is not his coins, it’s the contagion that follows,” noted the analyst. Because, of course, the real problem isn’t the theft-it’s the fact that everyone will suddenly realize their crypto is as secure as a chocolate box in a bear’s den.

As an example, Edwards cited the KelpDAO incident. KelpDAO is an Ethereum liquid restaking protocol that fell prey to a $290 million rsETH exploit on April 18th. The hacker took the exploited rsETH and used it to borrow WETH from the lending protocol Aave. After the market panic that ensued, the market cap of Aave’s native token suffered a sharp 20% drop. “$12B was drained from Aave TVL in days (40X the hack),” said the Capriole founder. Because nothing says “financial stability” like a protocol that can lose $12 billion faster than a toddler can spill juice.

Similarly to this hack, if Satoshi’s tokens were brought into circulation, the effects could outweigh the market impact that those tokens alone would have due to the loss of trust. “It’s the widespread collapse in trust and ensuing bank run we need to plan for now,” explained Edwards. Because trust is the real currency here, and quantum computing is the ultimate thief-stealing confidence faster than a magician steals your wallet.

The Capriole founder has been vocal about the Quantum Computing threat to Bitcoin, both online and at event presentations, urging the community to find a solution. Recently, some work on the issue has advanced, with multiple proposals already being published to counter the threat. Whether these ideas will make it to upgrades only remains to be seen. Probably not. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that humans are terrible at solving problems until they’re already on fire.

BTC Price

Bitcoin surged above $79,000 during the weekend, but the coin has retraced to $77,700 to kick off Monday. Because nothing says “stability” like a cryptocurrency that’s more volatile than a teenager’s emotions.

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2026-04-28 03:26