Bitmine Chairman Tom Lee says bitcoin has no agreed plan to defend against quantum computing, even as researchers point to a possible 2028 "Q-day." The warning follows IBM CEO Arvind Krishna's caution to Jim Cramer, who now says he will sell his bitcoin. Bitcoin developers and security specialists have pushed back on the framing.
Bitmine Chairman Tom Lee said bitcoin has yet to reach consensus on how to defend against quantum computing, leaving it behind rival networks. Speaking in an interview, Lee cited Google researchers as suggesting a breakthrough could arrive as early as 2028, a moment he called "Q-day."
Lee Says Ethereum and Solana Lead on Quantum Defense
Lee said Ethereum, Solana and Canton appear better positioned because their developers are already building quantum-resistant systems. According to Lee, bitcoin has not reached that same agreement: "they haven't come to a consensus on how to prevent Q-day." His remarks came during a broader discussion of crypto's recent divergence from the Nasdaq.
IBM Warning Pushes Cramer Toward an Exit
The concern echoed IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, who told CNBC's Jim Cramer that investors should grow more cautious within three or four years. Cramer responded by saying he plans to sell his bitcoin holdings. Lee widened the warning beyond digital assets, saying banks and public systems will also need stronger security as artificial intelligence and quantum tools shrink the time needed to find vulnerabilities.
Developers Challenge the Framing
Blockstream co-founder Adam Back pushed back on the terminology, noting that bitcoin relies on digital signatures rather than encryption for spending, though sufficiently powerful quantum computers could still threaten certain cryptographic keys. Bitgo CEO Mike Belshe used the debate to promote institutional custody, saying his company is already prepared for quantum threats and would adopt new protocols as they become available.
BIP-360 Needs Broad Agreement Across the Community
Attention within the bitcoin community has turned to possible upgrades such as BIP-360, alongside the exposure of older wallets whose public keys are already visible onchain. Any major change, however, would need broad agreement across developers, miners, businesses and users. The immediate threat remains disputed, but for bitcoin, reaching that consensus may prove harder than designing the cryptography itself.
Source: Bitcoin News
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