Nearly $500B in Bitcoin Is Exposed to Future Quantum Computing Attacks: Glassnode
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- Glassnode estimates that 6.04 million BTC, about $469 billion, have public keys already visible on‑chain, exposing them to quantum attacks.
- Bitcoin’s supply includes 1.92 million BTC (9.6 % of total) locked in script formats that reveal public keys by design, such as early pay‑to‑public‑key outputs and legacy multisig.
- Coinbase holds most of its labeled balances in non‑exposed address types, indicating lower quantum risk compared with other exchanges.
- Shor’s algorithm could, if a sufficiently powerful quantum computer is built, derive private keys from known public keys, making any exposed Bitcoin instantly stealable.
Why it matters: Investors and exchanges risk losing up to $470 billion of Bitcoin if quantum computers become viable, prompting urgent wallet upgrades and possible market price pressure for the broader crypto ecosystem.
