Bitcoin may take 7 years to upgrade to post-quantum: BIP-360 co-author

CoinTelegraph

by Andrew Fenton

February 18, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin's transition to post-quantum security could take up to seven years, according to Ethan Heilman, a co-author of BIP-360. He emphasizes that this is an optimistic timeline, contingent on widespread agreement among the Bitcoin community on the necessary upgrades. The process would involve migrating funds to quantum-safe addresses, upgrading wallets, custodians, and other infrastructure, which could prove challenging given Bitcoin's current transaction throughput limitations. Recent breakthroughs in quantum computing suggest time is running out for Bitcoin to prepare. Experts like Caltech's Thomas Rosenbaum predict functional quantum computers capable of breaking cryptographic systems within the next five to seven years. While some in the crypto space remain skeptical, the potential risks to Bitcoin's security are significant. Unlike other blockchains like Solana or Ethereum, Bitcoin's Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism is less immediately threatened by quantum advancements. Heilman highlights that upgrading Bitcoin to post-quantum resistance is technically feasible but logistically complex. The process would require coordinating upgrades across diverse systems, including wallets and the Lightning Network, which could take years to complete. Despite these challenges, Heilman stresses the importance of starting preparations now to minimize risks when a quantum threat materializes. For readers interested in crypto, this matters because Bitcoin's security is foundational to its value and widespread adoption. A delay in upgrading could leave it vulnerable to quantum attacks, potentially disrupting the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. While other chains like Ethereum have formed teams to address these threats, Bitcoin faces unique challenges due to its size and decentralized nature. The stakes are high, making Heilman's call for proactive preparation increasingly relevant as quantum computing advances.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/18/2026