In a recent statement, MicroStrategy”s Michael Saylor expressed concerns that the most significant threat to Bitcoin is not from external technological advancements, but rather from internal advocates pushing for protocol modifications. This assertion coincides with ongoing efforts by Coinbase and the Ethereum network to tackle one of Bitcoin”s most pressing challenges: the potential impact of quantum computing.
Saylor emphasized that maintaining the protocol”s current state, or “ossification,” serves as Bitcoin”s foremost defense mechanism. His comments also bring attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the BIP-110 proposal, which has garnered 2.38% support from nodes as of January 25, 2026. This proposal seeks to impose a temporary limit on transaction data to address increasing “spam” from non-financial transactions.
The discourse around BIP-110 has led to a divide within the Bitcoin community, pitting purists who prefer Bitcoin Knots against users of Bitcoin Core who advocate for broader applications. While some developers voice concerns about hasty or politically driven changes, others warn that neglecting emerging threats could lead to vulnerabilities.
As this debate unfolds, Coinbase has announced the establishment of an independent advisory board focused on the intersection of quantum computing and blockchain security. The board will investigate how advancements in quantum technology could jeopardize Bitcoin”s cryptographic integrity. Their findings will be shared publicly and will aim to provide guidance to the ecosystem.
At the core of these concerns lies elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC), which is fundamental to Bitcoin”s security through ECDSA and Schnorr signatures. If a sufficiently powerful quantum computer were to deploy Shor”s algorithm, it could potentially reverse-engineer private keys from public keys, enabling malicious actors to forge transactions or deplete compromised wallets. Experts estimate that such technology remains at least five years away, yet the urgency for a secure transition path is becoming increasingly apparent.
Coinbase”s advisory board will include prominent figures from the fields of cryptography and quantum research. They will operate independently and publish papers addressing the current state of quantum computing, as well as offering recommendations to developers and institutions.
The rising focus on quantum threats marks a shift in the Bitcoin community”s approach, with a notable increase in discussions related to quantum security appearing in technical communications. Data from 2025 indicates that over 10% of exchanges on Bitcoin mailing lists now pertain to post-quantum security, reflecting a transition from theoretical discussions to practical engineering challenges.
Despite this progress, many researchers caution against hastily implementing protocol changes. The consensus is to wait for established post-quantum cryptography standards from organizations like NIST to be fully developed before proceeding with any upgrades that could introduce new risks. Coinbase”s initiative is thus framed as proactive rather than reactive, aiming to lay down credible pathways for migration well before quantum threats become actionable.
The contrasting approach of the Ethereum Foundation, which has prioritized post-quantum security, further highlights the growing recognition that addressing quantum vulnerabilities is a collective industry challenge. As research accelerates and institutions engage more deeply with the need for future-proofing blockchain technologies, the balance between caution and innovation may become increasingly complex.
