The Crypto Industry Must Prioritize the Looming Threats of AI and Quantum Computing

A successful attack on a blockchain's cryptography by an AI system or a quantum computer could have devastating consequences, triggering a massive sell-off and undermining the point of blockchains. Although a well-defined technical roadmap to mitigate this risk exists, many protocols are falling short in implementing the necessary upgrades. The crypto industry must urgently upgrade its infrastructure and partner with AI and quantum computing industries to future-proof its technology. The threats posed by AI and quantum computing are real and looming, with the potential to compromise the security of blockchains and destroy trust in the industry. Blockchain technology is delivering secure, transparent, and self-sovereign systems, but it is not doing enough to safeguard against the risks of AI and quantum computing. A recent study highlighted the vulnerability of AI agents connected to blockchain protocols to manipulation by adversaries, while AI-enabled cybercrime is already on the rise. Meanwhile, quantum computing poses a significant risk to the encryption that secures a significant portion of Bitcoin. Researchers have discovered that traditional public key crypto is vulnerable to quantum algorithms, and post-quantum cryptography standards are emerging, but the crypto industry is not taking the necessary steps to adopt them. Only a few blockchains, such as Sui, Ethereum, and Algorand, are actively developing and testing post-quantum algorithms. The consequences of inaction are severe, with the potential for invisible, stealthy, and systemic hacks. The migration to future-proof technology and partnerships must begin now, with every crypto protocol assessing its cryptographic inventory and planning a phased rollout of post-quantum cryptography. Waiting is not a viable strategy, as a leapfrog innovation in quantum computing or AI could move the threat timeline up by years. Meaningful partnerships between crypto, AI, and quantum companies are sparse, and engagement with regulators needs to improve. Collaboration between the blockchain industry and quantum academia is necessary to develop frameworks for coexistence and create mechanisms to secure AI outputs. Better collaboration will lead to safety measures that protect governments, businesses, individuals, and the technology powering humanity forward. Deeper cross-industry integrations are not only better for security but also for the global economy. By working proactively with AI and quantum communities, the crypto industry can build systems that are safe from tomorrow's threats and amplify humanity's potential.