Bitcoin Faces Quantum Threat as Millions of BTC Exposed to Future Risks
Research highlights the quantum computing threat to Bitcoin security, with millions of BTC at risk due to exposed public keys.
Research highlights the quantum computing threat to Bitcoin security, with millions of BTC at risk due to exposed public keys. Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $82,967.00. This is an original Token Times brief synthesising 2 outlets (Crypto.news, ZyCrypto), plus live market data, as of Sun, 11 Oct 2026 09:45:01 UTC.
Quantum computing advancements could potentially compromise the security of Bitcoin addresses with exposed public keys, putting a significant portion of the total BTC supply at risk and prompting urgent reassessment of wallet security measures.
- 6.26M-7M BTC are estimated to be in addresses with exposed public keys.
- Quantum computing could threaten the security of these exposed BTC.
- The threat underscores the need for enhanced wallet security measures.
Both Crypto.news and ZyCrypto report that a substantial portion of Bitcoin's supply is at risk due to exposed public keys, with estimates ranging from 6.26 million BTC (Glassnode co-founder via ZyCrypto) to 6.7-7 million BTC (Fireblocks via Crypto.news). While the exact figures differ slightly, both outlets agree that this exposure poses a potential security threat as quantum computing technology advances. ZyCrypto emphasizes Glassnode's estimate, while Crypto.news focuses on Fireblocks' analysis of the broader implications.
The security of 
Bitcoin is under renewed scrutiny as researchers highlight the potential threat posed by quantum computing. According to Fireblocks' Vice President of Research, the main factor in this emerging risk is the exposure of public keys, which could be exploited by quantum computers to compromise the security of affected Bitcoin addresses.
Estimates from multiple sources suggest that between 6.26 million and 7 million BTC are currently held in addresses with exposed public keys. Glassnode co-founder's analysis, as reported by ZyCrypto, puts the figure at 6.26 million BTC, while Fireblocks' research, cited by Crypto.news, places the estimate slightly higher at 6.7 to 7 million BTC.
This exposure is particularly concerning given the potential for future advancements in quantum computing to break the cryptographic algorithms that underpin Bitcoin's security. If quantum computers become capable of efficiently solving the mathematical problems that currently secure these keys, the exposed BTC could be at risk of theft.
The findings have significant implications for Bitcoin holders and wallet providers, who may need to reassess their security measures to protect against this emerging threat. As quantum computing technology continues to evolve, the Bitcoin community may need to develop and adopt new cryptographic methods to ensure the long-term security of the network.
In the current market context, Bitcoin is trading at $38,007 with a 24-hour increase of 0.30%, while the overall crypto market cap stands at $2.87 trillion. The Fear & Greed Index is at 61, indicating a state of 'Greed' among investors. This stability in the market may be challenged if the quantum threat becomes more imminent.
Since this brief published about 39 hours ago, Bitcoin (BTC) has moved from $83,007.00 to $82,967.00 — -0.05%.
The chart plots BTC's price: grey is the move before this brief published, the vertical dashed line marks the moment it published, the horizontal dashed line is the price then, and the coloured area is the move since — from Token Times's market data (daily resolution). It shows what happened after the news, not that the news caused it; many factors move prices. Not financial advice.
At today's peer-to-peer rate, 1 BTC ≈ ₹8.65M (about $82,967.00), up 0.2% over 24 hours. The rupee itself trades about 7.7% above the official rate on the P2P market, so a Indian buyer's effective cost differs from the headline dollar price.
Live market data
Current prices for the asset in this story — live, source-stamped, updated every 15 minutes.
Bitcoin Faces Quantum Threat as Millions of BTC Exposed to F — questions & answers
How many BTC are at risk from quantum threats?
Estimates range from 6.26M BTC (Glassnode) to 6.7-7M BTC (Fireblocks).
What is the main factor in Bitcoin's quantum risk?
Exposed public keys are the primary factor, according to Fireblocks.
What is the current state of the crypto market?
The total crypto market cap is $2.87T, with Bitcoin at $38,007 and a 24h gain of 0.30%.
How much is 1 Bitcoin worth in rupee today?
About ₹8.65M at the live peer-to-peer (P2P) USDT rate, which is what Indians typically trade at — equivalent to roughly $82,967.00. The rupee price moves with both BTC's US-dollar price and the USDT/INR rate; use our Bitcoin in rupee page for any amount.
Which outlets reported this story?
This is an original Token Times brief that synthesises reporting from Crypto.news, ZyCrypto, with the key figures cross-checked for agreement across them. It is not a copy of any one article — follow the source links above for the original reporting.
Original summary — not financial advice. This is an original Token Times brief that summarises a development reported elsewhere and adds live market data for context; it is not the original article and reproduces no part of it. Follow the source link above for full details. Crypto is volatile and high-risk — always do your own research.