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Ethereum would continue running even if Bitcoin collapsed from a quantum computing breach, according to comments by Bankless co-founder David Hoffman. He stated that the network has no technical links to Bitcoin’s infrastructure. He noted that Ethereum would keep producing blocks even if Bitcoin stalled. His position followed renewed discussions about quantum risks across the cryptocurrency sector. The debate began after entrepreneur Nic Carter argued that a Bitcoin failure could damage trust in all digital money.
Carter stated that a cryptographic failure in Bitcoin could erode confidence across internet-native assets. He noted that many investors wrongly expect their coins to gain if Bitcoin collapses. His post triggered a wide debate about potential consequences if quantum computers break older wallet structures.
Soon after, analyst James Check expanded the discussion. He stated that the critical challenge involves community decisions on handling older addresses. He noted that the Bitcoin community may not reach an agreement on freezing older funds.
Check wrote that there is no chance of consensus on moving coins into quantum-secure formats. He explained that development politics reduce the network’s ability to respond quickly. This could allow older addresses to be drained once quantum attacks become possible.
BitBo data shows that 32.4% of Bitcoin has not moved in five years. Another 16.8% has remained untouched for more than a decade. Additionally, 8.2% was last moved between seven and ten years ago. A further 5.4% have remained inactive between five and seven years. Analysts debate how much of this supply is lost or stored long-term.
Check noted that Bitcoin’s collapse could cause short-term doubts across the industry. Yet he added that Ethereum’s functions would remain unchanged during such an event.
Hoffman stated that Ethereum would continue producing blocks even if Bitcoin failed. He explained that the networks operate independently. He added that Ethereum could grow if Bitcoin faced a critical breach because both assets hold large monetary value.
The question now facing the industry is whether Ethereum’s approach gives it an advantage as quantum technology advances.
Researcher Scott Aaronson wrote that a quantum machine capable of running Shor’s algorithm may appear before the next U.S. election. He noted that hardware progress is accelerating each year. His comments renewed attention on post-quantum planning across blockchain networks.
NIST approved post-quantum public-key cryptography schemes last year. These standards could allow Bitcoin to adopt new quantum-resistant addresses. BIP-360 also proposes a pathway for upgrades. Yet Bitcoin continues to use ECDSA and Schnorr signatures. Both are vulnerable once quantum machines reach the required scale.
Hoffman said Ethereum has been prepared for these risks since early development. The network hides public keys until addresses are used. This reduces attack windows for quantum machines.
The Merge introduced secured validator withdrawal keys across the network. This raised protection for long-term validators. Additionally, the roadmap includes moves toward quantum-resistant signature systems.
Future upgrades include Verkle trees and EOF-layer improvements. These changes support a transition away from ECDSA toward quantum-safe systems. Researchers note that this preparation could help Ethereum maintain uninterrupted operations during sector-wide disruption.
The discussion shows that Bitcoin faces real quantum threats, mainly due to older ECDSA addresses that remain vulnerable. Ethereum appears better prepared with hidden public keys and planned post-quantum upgrades. The developments suggest that future security choices will shape how both networks respond to rising quantum risks.
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