A new solution to the quantum computing threat in the cryptocurrency sector has emerged. Researchers at cybersecurity company AmericanFortress have announced the development of a new, patented post-quantum signature system aimed at protecting blockchain networks against potential future quantum attacks.
According to the company, the developed solution can protect not only active wallets but also Bitcoin addresses that have been inactive for years. In this context, it was stated that approximately 5 million BTC in total could be secured, including the approximately 1.1 million BTC belonging to Satoshi Nakamoto, known as the anonymous creator of Bitcoin. The total value of these assets is estimated to be around $400 billion.
AmericanFortress CEO Michal Pospieszalski stated that wallets, especially those that have been unused for a long time, could be targeted by quantum computers in the future, potentially creating significant selling pressure on the market. Pospieszalski argued that this risk threatens not only individual investors but also the integrity of the Bitcoin network.
According to the company’s statement, the biggest technical problem stems from old wallets created in the early days of Bitcoin. These addresses, referred to as “Pre-BIP32,” lack modern seed phrase derivation systems and therefore cannot be automatically upgraded.
AmericanFortress’s proposed system aims to freeze these legacy wallets defensively through a backward-compatible “soft fork.” Pospieszalski stated that after “Q-day,” when quantum computers pose a serious threat, the community could vote on whether to move, burn, or redistribute these funds.
Pospieszalski said, “Our quantum-resistant protocol can automatically freeze and protect these funds. This means even Satoshi wallets can be secured with a small BIP update.”
*This is not investment advice.
