Coinbase Urges Early Work on Bitcoin’s Quantum Defenses

Coinbase is calling for Bitcoin to begin planning defenses against quantum computing threats now, according to CoinDesk. The exchange holds about 5% of the total bitcoin supply.

Its proposed preparations include addresses that can adapt to future security changes and a backup key designed to withstand quantum attacks. The approach would give Bitcoin options as computing capabilities evolve.

Coinbase also wants the question of how to handle lost coins kept separate from the technical security discussion. Its position favors starting preparations now rather than waiting for quantum computers to pose a direct threat.