Europol says crypto’s quantum upgrade could take years and urges work to start now
Europol’s cybercrime center urges crypto networks, wallet providers and users to prepare for quantum-resistant cryptography, warning that a full transition could take years. Although quantum computers capable of breaking current wallet cryptography do not yet exist and their arrival is uncertain, a sufficiently powerful machine could derive private keys from exposed public keys and enable unauthorized spending. Europol recommends phased protocol upgrades, testing compatible wallets, clearer user guidance and migration of funds as resistant options become available. Hash functions are considered comparatively less vulnerable. Deployment may require hardware changes, on-chain transactions and community agreement, so the agency advises prioritizing higher-risk holdings and beginning preparations early.
