Satoshi’s 1.1 million BTC wallet is at risk from quantum computing advancements, posing a potential security threat to the wider Bitcoin network and global financial systems. Quantum machines could exploit the exposed public keys in Satoshi’s early wallets to access the private keys and potentially move the $67-$124 billion stash.

Shor’s algorithm, when run on a powerful quantum computer, could break Bitcoin’s security by reverse-engineering the public keys to find the corresponding private keys. Breaking Bitcoin’s encryption would require a quantum computer with about 2,330 stable logical qubits, a significant technological challenge that experts are working on to mitigate potential risks.

The timeline for achieving a cryptographically relevant quantum computer capable of breaking current encryption standards is rapidly shrinking, with companies like Rigetti and Quantinuum racing to build these systems. The defense against quantum attacks involves developing quantum-resistant standards such as post-quantum cryptography, which would require a major network upgrade for Bitcoin to ensure its security.

A 2025 report found that 6.51 million BTC is exposed to quantum attacks, with vulnerable addresses containing 1.72 million BTC, including Satoshi’s coins. Address reuse practices have made additional 4.49 million BTC vulnerable, highlighting the need for proactive measures to secure the cryptocurrency ecosystem against potential quantum threats.

The tech world is transitioning to post-quantum cryptographic standards to protect against quantum attacks, with the US National Institute of Standards and Technology leading the effort. Bitcoin could implement new quantum-resistant address types through a network-wide upgrade to safeguard against potential quantum threats and ensure the security of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Read more at Cointelegraph: If Quantum Computing Breaks Through, What Happens to Satoshi’s Bitcoin?