The recent focus on quantum computing has raised concerns about the potential risks it poses to legacy blockchains. For XRP, experts suggest that its architecture provides a level of protection against these threats, outperforming Bitcoin in this regard. XRP operates on the XRP Ledger, an open-source and decentralized blockchain, and is used by Ripple for cross-border transactions.
A key difference lies in the exposure of public keys, which can be exploited by a powerful quantum computer using Shor's algorithm, potentially draining funds. However, XRP's design, including features like key rotation and escrow, offers a degree of safety. An audit found that around 300,000 XRP accounts, holding 2.4 billion XRP, have never sent funds and thus remain quantum-safe.
In contrast, Bitcoin's blockchain lacks a key rotation feature, leaving holders more vulnerable, with an estimated 6.9 million BTC at risk, equivalent to nearly 35% of its circulating supply.