Eventually, Quantum computing is expected to change everything; older security protocols will fall to the wayside unless updated as the race continues between cyber attacks and the defenses that counter them.
A recent X post citing Elon Musk’s statement indicates that Bitcoin, the world’s most popular crypto, is safe for now. And by 2035, there is less than a 10% risk that the Bitcoin algorithm will be cracked. Of course, over time, Bitcoin shepherds will work to update to mitigate the risk.
BILLIONAIRE ELON MUSK JUST USING HIS OWN AI TO PROVE THE SECURITY OF #BITCOIN
THE WORLD’S RICHEST MAN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4ifYeFgCxZ
— The Bitcoin Historian (@pete_rizzo_) February 21, 2026
Digging deeper, according to Grok:
“Most expert consensus places a “cryptographically relevant” quantum computer (CRQC) capable of this in the 2030s or later—with timelines ranging from 5–15 years in optimistic/aggressive forecasts to decades in more conservative ones. Some surveys suggest a 50%+ likelihood by 2030–2035, while others push it beyond 2040.”
Adding that Bitcoin has time to upgrade, and proposals are advancing rapidly:
“Quantum computing won’t ‘break Bitcoin’ soon, and the protocol can (and likely will) evolve to stay secure. The bigger near-term risk is if upgrades lag behind quantum progress, but current momentum suggests the community is taking it seriously. If you’re holding BTC, best practices like avoiding address reuse already reduce exposure.”
Other protocols may not be sufficiently secure. These face “heightened risk” as they may use outdated algorithms, may use outdated infrastructure, and adversaries are said to already be harvesting data now for future decryption (HNDL), effectively a looming landmine for the unsuspecting.
“Older protocols are disproportionately threatened compared to modern or post-quantum cryptography-ready ones—preparation today prevents tomorrow’s breaches.”