Coinbase Forms Advisory Board as Quantum Computing Threat Looms Over Crypto Industry
In a bid to prepare itself and its users for the impending threat of quantum computing, crypto exchange giant Coinbase has established an independent advisory board. The board, officially known as the Coinbase Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain, will provide guidance and recommendations to institutions and developers on how to mitigate the risks posed by quantum computers.
The move comes amid growing concerns that quantum computers could break the cryptography used in blockchain networks, rendering them unworkable. This has been highlighted by notable financial leaders such as Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio and VanEck CEO Jan van Eck, who have expressed fears that this could prevent further institutional investment in crypto.
Coinbase's new advisory board brings together experts from top institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin and Stanford Center for Blockchain Research. The group will publish papers assessing threat levels, issue recommendations, and respond to breakthroughs in quantum computing as they arise.
The concern is that if a quantum computer were to appear without adequate preparation, it could render entire blockchain networks useless. However, experts believe that cryptography can be upgraded to become quantum-resistant, reducing the risks.
One of the reasons Coinbase has taken proactive steps is that decentralized systems tend to be more difficult to upgrade than centralized tech companies with lead decision makers. Given this longer timeframe for crypto network upgrades, it makes sense for the industry to start working on this issue now.
The emergence of quantum computing startups has added an extra layer of complexity, with some hopeful that old coins will not be frozen and that they'll have a chance to crack the keys holding half a trillion dollars worth of bitcoin treasure. However, Bitcoin developers are skeptical of hastily added upgrades for quantum computing, viewing them as potential security vulnerabilities.
In reality, the correct approach is readiness for the worst-case scenario. According to Adam Back, Blockstream CEO and longtime cypherpunk, fear should be replaced by preparation and a clear understanding of the risks involved.
As institutions begin to take proactive steps to prepare themselves for this threat, it's clear that quantum computing poses a significant challenge to the crypto industry. Coinbase's move is just one step in the right direction, and its advisory board will play a crucial role in helping the industry navigate these uncharted waters.
In a bid to prepare itself and its users for the impending threat of quantum computing, crypto exchange giant Coinbase has established an independent advisory board. The board, officially known as the Coinbase Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain, will provide guidance and recommendations to institutions and developers on how to mitigate the risks posed by quantum computers.
The move comes amid growing concerns that quantum computers could break the cryptography used in blockchain networks, rendering them unworkable. This has been highlighted by notable financial leaders such as Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio and VanEck CEO Jan van Eck, who have expressed fears that this could prevent further institutional investment in crypto.
Coinbase's new advisory board brings together experts from top institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin and Stanford Center for Blockchain Research. The group will publish papers assessing threat levels, issue recommendations, and respond to breakthroughs in quantum computing as they arise.
The concern is that if a quantum computer were to appear without adequate preparation, it could render entire blockchain networks useless. However, experts believe that cryptography can be upgraded to become quantum-resistant, reducing the risks.
One of the reasons Coinbase has taken proactive steps is that decentralized systems tend to be more difficult to upgrade than centralized tech companies with lead decision makers. Given this longer timeframe for crypto network upgrades, it makes sense for the industry to start working on this issue now.
The emergence of quantum computing startups has added an extra layer of complexity, with some hopeful that old coins will not be frozen and that they'll have a chance to crack the keys holding half a trillion dollars worth of bitcoin treasure. However, Bitcoin developers are skeptical of hastily added upgrades for quantum computing, viewing them as potential security vulnerabilities.
In reality, the correct approach is readiness for the worst-case scenario. According to Adam Back, Blockstream CEO and longtime cypherpunk, fear should be replaced by preparation and a clear understanding of the risks involved.
As institutions begin to take proactive steps to prepare themselves for this threat, it's clear that quantum computing poses a significant challenge to the crypto industry. Coinbase's move is just one step in the right direction, and its advisory board will play a crucial role in helping the industry navigate these uncharted waters.