Key Points
- •Willy Woo issues warning on quantum computing threats to Bitcoin.
- •Recommends moving BTC to SegWit addresses.
- •Anticipates quantum threats by 2030, upgrade within 7 years.
On November 11, 2025, on-chain analyst Willy Woo warned that emerging quantum computing could threaten Bitcoin's security, recommending transferring BTC to SegWit addresses for interim protection.
This warning highlights a potential shift in Bitcoin's security paradigm, sparking precautionary measures among major holders and driving increased utilization of SegWit addresses to safeguard assets.
Quantum Threat to Bitcoin's Security
Willy Woo, known for his expertise in blockchain analytics, voiced concerns on the potential emergence of quantum computing threats to Bitcoin. On November 11, 2025, he advised users to transfer their BTC to SegWit addresses for added security. "Previously, protecting private keys (mnemonics) was the main concern. But in the upcoming era of large-scale quantum computers (BSQC), you also need to protect the public key. Earlier formats hide the public key behind a hash, making it difficult for BSQC to crack it," Woo emphasized. This recommendation aims to protect public keys and mitigate asset risks, given the possibility that quantum computing could soon expose them.
The community is apprehensive about cryptography safeguards, and Woo suggests using SegWit addresses as an interim solution. He anticipates that while quantum threats might arise by 2030, the Bitcoin network should be upgraded to counteract these issues within seven years. Meanwhile, industry reaction includes a shift in user behavior towards more secure address formats, as noted by the increase in SegWit adoption.
Statements and insights regarding this event have emerged from several industry figures, including Charles Edwards of Capriole Investments. Edwards critiqued SegWit's adequacy as a stopgap measure, emphasizing the necessity for protocol upgrades. Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy, however, downplayed immediate risks based on current hardware capabilities. This debate underscores varying perspectives on urgency and preparedness in addressing quantum vulnerabilities.
Market Response and Technological Future Amid Quantum Concerns
Did you know? Algorand executed its first post-quantum transaction in November 2025, marking progress towards quantum resistance across the blockchain industry.
As of November 11, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) trades at $105,038.86, with a market cap of $2.10 trillion. Market dominance stands at 59.33%, according to CoinMarketCap's latest update. Over 24 hours, the price fell by 1.25%, reaching a trading volume of $69.49 billion. BTC's circulating supply is 19.95 million, approaching its 21 million cap. Recent data reflect a 7-day gain of 1.26%, contrasting with a 90-day decline of 12.61%.
From a technological perspective, addressing quantum threats could reshape the cryptocurrency landscape financially and technically. CoinCu research forecasts no immediate regulatory changes but anticipates increased discourse surrounding cryptographic resilience and industry standards. The emphasis remains on adapting infrastructures to preemptively counter potential quantum computing threats to the Bitcoin network.