- Quantum computers may threaten Bitcoin encryption by 2029
- Charles Edwards warns of a potential “Q-Day” event
- Crypto security may face major changes in the next decade
Charles Edwards, founder of Capriole Investments, has sounded the alarm on a looming technological threat to Bitcoin . According to Edwards, powerful quantum computers could be capable of breaking Bitcoin’s encryption as early as 2027—and almost certainly within the next 2 to 9 years. This forecast has sparked growing concern among investors, developers, and security experts about what’s being called “Q-Day”—the moment quantum computing cracks today’s cryptographic systems.
Bitcoin relies on public-key cryptography to secure transactions. While this system is incredibly strong against classical computers, quantum computers operate on a completely different level. They use quantum bits, or qubits, which allow for massively parallel processing, making certain algorithms—such as Shor’s Algorithm—capable of breaking widely-used encryption like RSA and ECDSA.
What Is “Q-Day” and Why It Matters
“Q-Day” refers to the hypothetical point in time when quantum computers can successfully break modern encryption. For Bitcoin, this would mean public keys and private keys can be matched, exposing wallets and allowing bad actors to steal funds.
Edwards points out that the Bitcoin network needs to upgrade its cryptographic foundations before quantum computing advances reach this point. However, transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms won’t be easy—it requires network-wide agreement and swift implementation, something the decentralized nature of Bitcoin doesn’t always allow for quickly.
What the Crypto Community Should Do
The warning from Edwards isn’t the first, but it’s gaining traction due to recent progress in quantum computing by tech giants like IBM, Google, and China’s research labs.
Developers are already exploring quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions, including lattice-based cryptography and other post-quantum algorithms. Some altcoins and blockchain platforms are even being designed with quantum resistance in mind from the start.
Investors and developers must now weigh the urgency of the risk. While some argue quantum computers are still far from practical capability, others believe preparation must begin now to avoid sudden vulnerabilities.
