According to Blockstream CEO Adam Back, the impact of quantum computing on the Bitcoin network is a long-term concern rather than an immediate threat. As a pioneering figure in Bitcoin's history, with a background in cryptography dating back to the 1990s, Back emphasized the importance of preparation in a recent interview with Bloomberg. He noted that current quantum hardware lacks error correction, aligning with recent research that frames quantum computing as a long-term risk. Back stressed that the focus should be on timing the response correctly, allowing for a gradual migration to quantum-resistant formats over the next decade.
With post-quantum cryptography already transitioning from theoretical to practical implementation, particularly following NIST's standardization in late 2024, Back highlighted the ongoing research and deployment efforts across the ecosystem, including a dedicated 20-person team and the Liquid network as a testing ground. The challenge lies in coordinating a smooth and orderly migration before the quantum threat becomes imminent.