A compliant platform establishes an advisory committee to address the risks of quantum computing to Bitcoin

Source: PortaldoBitcoin Original Title: Coinbase creates advisory board to address quantum computing risks to Bitcoin Original Link: As advancements in quantum computing prompt blockchain developers to reassess security assumptions, a compliance platform announced this Thursday that it is forming an independent advisory committee to discuss how to protect blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum from future quantum computer threats.

Although quantum computers capable of breaking modern cryptography do not yet exist, researchers warn that the transition of the global financial system and blockchain to new cryptographic standards could take several years, prompting some companies to start planning before the technology becomes a reality.

“Quantum computing is progressing, and while we do not believe it currently poses an imminent threat to cryptocurrencies, the reality is that updating global networks and security standards will take years,” said a spokesperson for the compliance platform. “We are now officially establishing this advisory committee so that the ecosystem can plan ahead, responsibly evaluate evidence, and coordinate practical steps to maintain the resilience of blockchain infrastructure in the long term.”

Members of the advisory committee include University of Texas at Austin professor Scott Aaronson, University of California, Santa Barbara FinTech Research Laboratory director Dahlia Malkhi, Stanford cryptographer Dan Boneh, Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake, University of Washington associate professor and EigenLayer founder Sreeram Kannan, and the compliance platform’s Chief Cryptography Officer Yehuda Lindell.

“I joined the advisory committee because it seems like an opportunity to provide factual guidance on extremely important matters, and because they need people involved in quantum computing,” said Professor Aaronson.

The compliance platform stated that the committee will publish papers assessing quantum computing-related risks, issue guidance for users and developers, and provide independent analysis after significant developments in the field.

“No one really knows how much longer it will take for quantum computers to crack current public-key cryptosystems—possibly years to decades,” added Aaronson. “What is clear is that we need to start thinking now about transitioning to post-quantum cryptographic systems and be prepared to respond when future events occur.”

From Theory to Practice

Although current quantum computers are still too small and unstable to threaten blockchain networks, developers are no longer viewing the risk as purely theoretical.

Bitcoin and Ethereum rely on elliptic curve cryptography, which researchers say can be broken by sufficiently powerful and error-corrected quantum computers using Shor’s algorithm, allowing attackers to derive private keys from public keys.

In response, developers of large networks have begun exploring post-quantum cryptography methods and migration paths, including hybrid signature schemes and phased upgrades, while also discussing impacts on performance, coordination, and timing.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin advocates for protocols to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography long before the threat becomes real; meanwhile, others like Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson warn that moving too quickly could significantly reduce network speed without proper hardware support.

Quantum researchers say this announcement reflects the growing pressure on financial and tech companies to develop post-quantum security, as governments worldwide push to establish new cryptographic standards.

Quantum researcher and BTQ post-quantum cryptography consultancy Anastasia Marchenkova said this announcement aligns with increasing concerns about how a compliance platform might respond to quantum technology.

“So this announcement comes at a good time. I’m glad the compliance platform is paying attention to this issue because it’s really important for the long-term survival of cryptocurrencies,” Marchenkova said.

She pointed out that although discussions about quantum threats are not new in the crypto space, these discussions have gained urgency as regulators begin to set post-quantum standards. She emphasized that doubts about the timeline for practical quantum computing still exist and added, “It won’t be an easy process.”

Nonetheless, Marchenkova noted that the combination of academic and private sector expertise in the advisory committee addresses the core challenge of collaborative post-quantum security planning.

“Not just the compliance platform people, not just researchers; also cryptocurrency experts,” she said. “This is important because one of the biggest challenges in post-quantum security is bringing together those who understand quantum computing with those who understand cryptography and real-world systems.”

As a publicly listed company, the compliance platform’s decision to openly address quantum risks carries weight in both the crypto industry and beyond, as banks and infrastructure providers increasingly incorporate post-quantum threats into their security planning.

“Every person or entity starting to talk about post-quantum security is another signal that this topic is being taken seriously,” Marchenkova said, emphasizing that the compliance platform is a recognizable name even to those outside the crypto world, which could bring the quantum debate to everyday users.

“If you’re starting to research cryptocurrencies, the compliance platform is a name everyone will recognize,” Marchenkova added. “This announcement is a step toward showing that it can indeed impact you in some way—so let’s start discussing this topic.”