Quantum fixes protect Bitcoin, but legit owners risk lockout
Summary
Nic Carter’s worst-case quantum scenario is an attacker recovering keys to dormant Bitcoin and moving large amounts across 10 blocks, potentially undermining confidence. Glassnode estimated 6.04 million BTC had exposed public keys, though exposure does not prove inactivity or vulnerability to a demonstrated attack. A hypothetical sweep of 2.5 million BTC could fit within 10 blocks’ capacity, but actual inclusion would depend on fees, traffic and miners. Proposed responses include safer output types, phased restrictions on vulnerable spending, ownership proofs and throttling. These remain unadopted proposals, with trade-offs between reducing quantum risk and potentially denying legitimate holders access to funds.
