Best Storage Method for Bitcoin in a Post-Quantum World.

[Achalugo BTC]

Okay I got the inspiration to write this thread on our local board after reading a topic on the Bitcoin Discussion board, it led me into doing further research on the topic and then I learnt a few things. Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology is indeed very vast and everyday we learn, I bet a lot of Nigerians didn't have a clue about what we are about to discuss here on this thread.

Okay in this topic, we'll be discussing the future of Bitcoin storage in a world dominated by quantum computers or quantum computing.
First of all what is quantum computers?
These are advanced computers, unlike the ones we see everyday, unlike the regular computers that uses bits i.e 0s and 1s to process data, these new types of computers uses principles of quantum mechanics to process data, they make use of quantum bits or what is otherwise known as qubits. In a nutshell, these computer is a bombshell. You might want to ask what's so special about these computers and why would it be a thread to the safety that Bitcoin storage has enjoyed over the years. Alright, one crazy quality of these computers is that, due to its ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously, they can be able to process vast amount of data in parallel, which enables them to be able to solve complex or even impossible problems, plus these computers can easily break into certain encrypted algorithms, so this computer in the hands of an evil miner automatically means big problem for Bitcoin.

So now, in my research I was able to understand there are a few counter measures that could be employed in order to protect our Bitcoin assets.

1. First is the use of a Multi-Signature Wallet. These wallets requires multiple private keys to authorise a transaction, so even if a quantum computer manages to break and compromise one private key, the hacker still won't have access to the funds as it'll still require him to break all other keys.
2. Use of One Address Per Transaction. Even with a quantum computer, a hacker will only target your funds if your public key is exposed, so by using one address per transaction, it'll limit the exposure of your public keys, thus making it impossible for your funds to be targeted.
There are several of them, but I intend to make this thread as short and readable as possible so I'll stop here and avail my readers to engage and also shares their thoughts on how they feel Bitcoins could be kept safe in such a situation.

[Tungbulu]

Nice write up OP, you sure did some research, although I've heard about these quantum computers and how powerful they are, but I didn't actually know they were powerful enough to easily break into encrypted algorithms.

Anyways, one way I believe a way to keep your BTC safe, and I was expecting it to be the first on your list is the use of Hardware or Cold storage wallets, because these wallets operate strictly offline, making it difficult or should I say impossible for hackers to infiltrate, even with the help of a quantum computer.

[Charles-Tim]

If you do not reuse address, the public key of your new addresses will not be exposed and you are safe. That alone is enough.

Anyways, one way I believe a way to keep your BTC safe, and I was expecting it to be the first on your list is the use of Hardware or Cold storage wallets, because these wallets operate strictly offline, making it difficult or should I say impossible for hackers to infiltrate, even with the help of a quantum computer.

If bitcoin private key is no more safe with quantum computing and the public key of the private key is exposed, regardless of the wallet that you are using, the private key can be known as long as the public key is known. OP is very correct and adding cold wallets is off-topic tonehaybhenis discussing.

[Achalugo BTC]

If you do not reuse address, the public key of your new addresses will not be exposed and you are safe. That alone is enough.

Well, you are right and you can limit the exposure of your public keys and maintaining it can help to reduce the risk of security breaches and also helps your funds from being targeted.

[promise444c5]

2. Use of One Address Per Transaction. Even with a quantum computer, a hacker will only target your funds if your public key is exposed, so by using one address per transaction, it'll limit the exposure of your public keys, thus making it impossible for your funds to be targeted.

I understand  your point but it's  not like it will limit the exposure  of your  public keys but prevents  you from losing your Sats  on a  compromisesd address. You see, there's  no way you can  prevent your public key from not beign exposed (atleast not with the current standard) so far you are going to spend the Sats.. Once spend, the public  key is exposed on-chain so receiving  on the same address again is still "address reusage"  which makes any Sats on that address vulnerable to loss if a QC can successfully  perform the attack.

In addition, your public key is also exposed when you receive (yes, you heard that right!). However, it's hashed and so far the threat cannot pose a risk /break  SHA-256 yet , it's safe to be exposed.

[Dulen007]

OP, this update make sense. Many people no dey reason am say quantum computer fit change the game for Bitcoin.

If dem build that kind computer well, e go dey too sharp to break password and private keys. That one mean say if you no secure your Bitcoin well, dem fit wipe your wallet.

But solution dey like you talk. Multi-sig wallet na better way. If one key leak, hacker still need other keys before e fit move your coin. And to avoid make dem track your wallet, e better make you dey use different address every time you wan receive coin.

Another thing be say, cold wallet (offline wallet) na the safest. E no connect to internet, so even quantum computer no go fit reach am and,
Bitcoin developers don dey plan new security system wey go strong pass quantum threat way dem dea call post-quantum cryptography.

[Achalugo BTC]

OP, this update make sense. Many people no dey reason am say quantum computer fit change the game for Bitcoin.

If dem build that kind computer well, e go dey too sharp to break password and private keys. That one mean say if you no secure your Bitcoin well, dem fit wipe your wallet.

But solution dey like you talk. Multi-sig wallet na better way. If one key leak, hacker still need other keys before e fit move your coin. And to avoid make dem track your wallet, e better make you dey use different address every time you wan receive coin.

Another thing be say, cold wallet (offline wallet) na the safest. E no connect to internet, so even quantum computer no go fit reach am and,
Bitcoin developers don dey plan new security system wey go strong pass quantum threat way dem dea call post-quantum cryptography.

Sure thing, if person use different address for any transactions e go help us in terms of anonymity.
And  Post- quantum cryptography dey also support security to fight or prevent against quantum threats, with all this instructions wey u done talk like this go help people wey dey use Bitcoin protect their assets and stay updated Incase of any risks.

[Tungbulu]

✂️✂️✂️✂️

If bitcoin private key is no more safe with quantum computing and the public key of the private key is exposed, regardless of the wallet that you are using, the private key can be known as long as the public key is known. OP is very correct and adding cold wallets is off-topic tonehaybhenis discussing.

I don't suppose that the current quantum computers posses the capability to actually perform such a complex calculation yet. It'll only take a sufficiently powerful quantum computer to potentially use Shor's algorithm to factor the public key and derive the private keys of a cold wallet, and such quantum power hasn't been implemented yet, so using a cold wallet could still appear to be a safe way of storing Bitcoin in a post quantum world. Except I'm wrong...

[Ever-young]

I don't suppose that the current quantum computers posses the capability to actually perform such a complex calculation yet. It'll only take a sufficiently powerful quantum computer to potentially use Shor's algorithm to factor the public key and derive the private keys of a cold wallet, and such quantum power hasn't been implemented yet, so using a cold wallet could still appear to be a safe way of storing Bitcoin in a post quantum world. Except I'm wrong...

You're right, the current quantum computers might not really possess the required coherence and power to perform such complex calculations that it takes to break through the cryptography of Bitcoin using the Shor's algorithm. So except a more powerful quantum computer with sufficient power is developed, using a cold wallet remains a safe storage option.

[Charles-Tim]

I don't suppose that the current quantum computers posses the capability to actually perform such a complex calculation yet. It'll only take a sufficiently powerful quantum computer to potentially use Shor's algorithm to factor the public key and derive the private keys of a cold wallet, and such quantum power hasn't been implemented yet, so using a cold wallet could still appear to be a safe way of storing Bitcoin in a post quantum world. Except I'm wrong...

You're right, the current quantum computers might not really possess the required coherence and power to perform such complex calculations that it takes to break through the cryptography of Bitcoin using the Shor's algorithm. So except a more powerful quantum computer with sufficient power is developed, using a cold wallet remains a safe storage option.

Yes, cold storage is safe as long as quantum computers are not yet able to brute force bitcoin private key from public key, but what Tungbulu posted is off-topic. Probably he did not read what the OP posted but likely just skimmed or scanned through it.

[Achalugo BTC]

@Achalugo BTC, your topic title is completely off-topic to what you posted. Post-quantum world means a world after quantum computers, like quantum computers to become archaic or obsolete.

https://talkimg.com/images/2025/07/26/UHuuZ2.png

According to the above image, I'm pretty sure the subject suits perfectly well and is on topic with the contents of the thread. Except I'm the one misunderstanding what you're trying to say here Sir.

[Tungbulu]

@Achalugo BTC, your topic title is completely off-topic to what you posted. Post-quantum world means a world after quantum computers, like quantum computers to become archaic or obsolete.

I don't suppose that the current quantum computers posses the capability to actually perform such a complex calculation yet. It'll only take a sufficiently powerful quantum computer to potentially use Shor's algorithm to factor the public key and derive the private keys of a cold wallet, and such quantum power hasn't been implemented yet, so using a cold wallet could still appear to be a safe way of storing Bitcoin in a post quantum world. Except I'm wrong...

You're right, the current quantum computers might not really possess the required coherence and power to perform such complex calculations that it takes to break through the cryptography of Bitcoin using the Shor's algorithm. So except a more powerful quantum computer with sufficient power is developed, using a cold wallet remains a safe storage option.

Yes, cold storage is safe as long as quantum computers are not yet able to brute force bitcoin private key from public key, but what Tungbulu posted is off-topic. Probably he did not read what the OP posted but likely just skimmed or scanned through it.

And do you mind telling me what aspect of my response is off topic or shows that I didn't properly read the who thread? The first correction you made or should I say attempted to make later appeared to be inaccurate and off topic.

Firstly, you coumtered my view and said even cold wallets wasn't safe, and then you coming now to reverse your statement because @Ever-young seconded the same point I made earlier which you initially countered, are you sure you don't have a personal beef with me?

Now you still claimed that the OP's title is totally off topic which doesn't seem so now, judging from the quote below. Be like your own here Na to dey wetin dey off topic when Na you dey even dey talk off topic here... I mean no disrespect sir, before them go talk say Tungbulu no get respect  

@Achalugo BTC, your topic title is completely off-topic to what you posted. Post-quantum world means a world after quantum computers, like quantum computers to become archaic or obsolete.

According to the above image, I'm pretty sure the subject suits perfectly well and is on topic with the contents of the thread. Except I'm the one misunderstanding what you're trying to say here Sir.

[IjawMan]

@Achalugo BTC, your topic title is completely off-topic to what you posted. Post-quantum world means a world after quantum computers, like quantum computers to become archaic or obsolete.

I don't suppose that the current quantum computers posses the capability to actually perform such a complex calculation yet. It'll only take a sufficiently powerful quantum computer to potentially use Shor's algorithm to factor the public key and derive the private keys of a cold wallet, and such quantum power hasn't been implemented yet, so using a cold wallet could still appear to be a safe way of storing Bitcoin in a post quantum world. Except I'm wrong...

You're right, the current quantum computers might not really possess the required coherence and power to perform such complex calculations that it takes to break through the cryptography of Bitcoin using the Shor's algorithm. So except a more powerful quantum computer with sufficient power is developed, using a cold wallet remains a safe storage option.

Yes, cold storage is safe as long as quantum computers are not yet able to brute force bitcoin private key from public key, but what Tungbulu posted is off-topic. Probably he did not read what the OP posted but likely just skimmed or scanned through it.

And do you mind telling me what aspect of my response is off topic or shows that I didn't properly read the who thread? The first correction you made or should I say attempted to make later appeared to be inaccurate and off topic.

Firstly, you coumtered my view and said even cold wallets wasn't safe, and then you coming now to reverse your statement because @Ever-young seconded the same point I made earlier which you initially countered, are you sure you don't have a personal beef with me?

Now you still claimed that the OP's title is totally off topic which doesn't seem so now, judging from the quote below. Be like your own here Na to dey wetin dey off topic when Na you dey even dey talk off topic here... I mean no disrespect sir, before them go talk say Tungbulu no get respect  

@Achalugo BTC, your topic title is completely off-topic to what you posted. Post-quantum world means a world after quantum computers, like quantum computers to become archaic or obsolete.

According to the above image, I'm pretty sure the subject suits perfectly well and is on topic with the contents of the thread. Except I'm the one misunderstanding what you're trying to say here Sir.

Why y'all confusing us on this topic. Make ona stay one place make we know which be the right knowledge to collect from this thread nah make somebody no go fumble for general board if I should see this similar thread and decide to join discussion using what am learning from here ooh.

[Charles-Tim]

And do you mind telling me what aspect of my response is off topic

Okay, let me show you:

Anyways, one way I believe a way to keep your BTC safe, and I was expecting it to be the first on your list is the use of Hardware or Cold storage wallets,

And I posted that this is not related to cold wallet at all.

Now you still claimed that the OP's title is totally off topic which doesn't seem so now, judging from the quote below. Be like your own here Na to dey wetin dey off topic when Na you dey even dey talk off topic here...

Leave that to OP and I as OP posted about it already. We stayed on topic and not off-topic. Just accept your mistake when it is right to accept a mistake. It really helped me on this forum. This thread is not about cold wallets or hot wallets.

Why y'all confusing us on this topic. Make ona stay one place make we know which be the right knowledge to collect from this thread nah make somebody no go fumble for general board if I should see this similar thread and decide to join discussion using what am learning from here ooh.

What is confusing you? I only told OP to edit his topic title, but he proved that the title is right. I did not dispute what OP posted in his content is wrong. So what is confusing you? It is Tungbulu that may confuse you. OP and I have constructive posts on this thread.

[Tungbulu]

Anyways, one way I believe a way to keep your BTC safe, and I was expecting it to be the first on your list is the use of Hardware or Cold storage wallets,

And I posted that this is not related to cold wallet at all.

Now you're getting me confused mate...

I mean, how does my suggested of using a cold wallet as an alternatively reliable option in a Post-Quantum World off-topic?

That's the part I'd really like you to explain to me, and I'd be more than willing to take corrections and perhaps learn on the process, I mean that's why we are all here right?

[Charles-Tim]

I mean, how does my suggested of using a cold wallet as an alternatively reliable option in a Post-Quantum World off-topic?

You did not understand this:

If bitcoin private key is no more safe with quantum computing and the public key of the private key is exposed, regardless of the wallet that you are using, the private key can be known as long as the public key is known. OP is very correct and adding cold wallets is off-topic tonehaybhenis discussing.

Let me be more specific and make it easier to understand.
If you have a cold wallet, and you use it to generate seed phrase, keys and addresses and no one knows your seed phrase nor private. In the post quantum world, if you make transaction, the public key of the address you used to make the transaction will be known on blockchain which quantum computer only needs to brute force your bitcoin address private key. That is the reason it is advised that people should not reuse bitcoin address this time. Cold wallets are not resistant against quantum computers. What is resistant against it for now is not to reuse your bitcoin address.

[Felicity_Tide]

~snip

That's the part I'd really like you to explain to me, and I'd be more than willing to take corrections and perhaps learn on the process, I mean that's why we are all here right?

There is a little bit of misunderstanding from your side which I think Charles-Tim was trying to point out. If you followed up with the few threads that has been discussed probably in the technical board or elsewhere, you will notice that a major vulnerability being talked about is always the public key. The public key has been viewed as the vulnerability in deriving a private key, and I believe you know what the private key can do when it gets in the wrong hands.

So, the cold wallet is literally like another medium of storage, because the majority of uses a hot wallet. Ideally, Public keys are not visible in this new forms of wallets(Segwit) because they are only shown in their hashed form. And according to what has been said from the quantum point of view, the actual public key can then be revealed if a transaction is made from that particular address.

Let me give an example.
Let's assume this is the hashed form of the your public key - (f5d8fe39a430901c91b02bef5f4c1a5dc74252). This is what everyone should see on the Blockchain. But the moment you make a transaction, it then reveals your real public key, which we all believe can be vulnerable in deriving ones private key.

[Tungbulu]

Let me be more specific and make it easier to understand.
If you have a cold wallet, and you use it to generate seed phrase, keys and addresses and no one knows your seed phrase nor private. In the post quantum world, if you make transaction, the public key of the address you used to make the transaction will be known on blockchain which quantum computer only needs to brute force your bitcoin address private key. That is the reason it is advised that people should not reuse bitcoin address this time. Cold wallets are not resistant against quantum computers. What is resistant against it for now is not to reuse your bitcoin address.

You seem to forget that we currently do not have quantum computers powerful enough to brute force the public keys of a cold wallet to get the private keys. The current quantum computers we have now lacks the required qubit count, coherence time and the power to perform such a complex calculation.

It'll only take quantum computers with the IBM's 1,121 superconducting qubit processor to perform such a task as this is the only way to unlock the full power of quantum computing, and mate I don't think we have such computing power right now.

[Charles-Tim]

@Felicity_Tide, I just do not know what to explain again  . I hope he will understand what I mean and the reason I said his suggestion of a cold wallet is off-topic. I am out of smerits, I will send when I have enough.

You seem to forget that we currently do not have quantum computers powerful enough to brute force the public keys of a cold wallet to get the private keys. The current quantum computers we have now lacks the required qubit count, coherence time and the power to perform such a complex calculation.

It'll only take quantum computers with the IBM's 1,121 superconducting qubit processor to perform such a task as this is the only way to unlock the full power of quantum computing, and mate I don't think we have such computing power right now.

You quoted the image that the OP posted about Post-Quantum World.

Best Storage Method for Bitcoin in a Post-Quantum World.

The post-quantum world refers to a future era in which quantum computers are powerful enough to break current cryptographic systems.

[Tungbulu]

You seem to forget that we currently do not have quantum computers powerful enough to brute force the public keys of a cold wallet to get the private keys. The current quantum computers we have now lacks the required qubit count, coherence time and the power to perform such a complex calculation.

It'll only take quantum computers with the IBM's 1,121 superconducting qubit processor to perform such a task as this is the only way to unlock the full power of quantum computing, and mate I don't think we have such computing power right now.

You quoted the image that the OP posted about Post-Quantum World.

I don't understand, what has what I said got to do with me quoting the image that the OP posted about Post-Quantum World? I'm kinda confused now...