Coinbase warns that future quantum computers could break digital signatures, placing wallets and validator systems at risk across networks like Ethereum and Solana.Core infrastructure of Bitcoin remains relatively secure, but wallet-level exposure persists, with millions of BTC potentially vulnerable due to publicly visible key data.Industry faces a complex transition as quantum-resistant cryptography exists, but upgrading blockchains, wallets, and user systems will take years and require coordinated global effort.A new report from Coinbase has brought attention to a long-term risk of quantum computing and its potential to disrupt the security systems that protect cryptos. The results were issued by the company’s Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain. The group consists of researchers from top institutions and blockchain organizations.Coinbase: Quantum Computing Risks for Ethereum, SolanaAccording to the report, crypto assets are secure today. But it is now time to prepare for potential future risks. A sufficiently advanced quantum computer would eventually break the cryptographic systems used across major blockchains, the board said. These systems are for securing transactions and verifying ownership. As of now, these machines do not exist. Experts say the quantum computer capable of this level of disruption is still years away.The timeline for nearly any one is likely to be a decade or more, with most estimates suggesting a timeline of at least a decade. At the other end of the spectrum, there is no assurance that real progress will come on a timely basis. This sense of doubt is one of the main points raised through the report.The Coinbase board emphasized that upgrading security of the blockchain is a slow process. That is a process with transitions across several layers. These include blockchains, wallets, exchanges, and hardware systems. All of these items must adjust in tandem. This means that if an industry waits till a “short-term” risk has already been exposed it may leave themselves unprepared.The report also details which portions of the crypto ecosystem are more vulnerable. Bitcoin, for example, demonstrates overall resilience on a protocol level. Even so, its underlying mining processes and its core data structure are not likely to be easily vulnerable to the next quantum threat. Yet there are still risks at the wallet level. A digital signature proving the ownership of funds could be a weak point.Wallets that already leaked some important data on-chain are perceived to be even more vulnerable. The report by Coinbase estimates millions of BTC are in this mix.The situation is more complex for proof-of-stake networks. Platforms like Ethereum and Solana depend on validators to secure their networks. These validators use cryptographic signatures as part of the consensus process. This creates an additional layer of exposure. If quantum systems progress, these signature schemes could face pressure.At the same time, the report notes that solutions already exist. Researchers have spent years developing quantum-resistant cryptographic methods. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has even standardized several of these approaches. This means the technical foundation is ready.The challenge lies in implementation. Quantum-resistant signatures are larger in size. This can affect transaction speed, storage requirements, and overall network efficiency. In addition, migrating millions of users to new systems is not simple. Each wallet holder would need to take action. Coordination on such a scale presents a major hurdle.Different blockchain networks are approaching this issue in their own way. Bitcoin developers are exploring new address formats that could improve key protection. Ethereum has already shared a detailed migration plan. Some networks, including Solana, Algorand, and Aptos, have started working on quantum-resistant features. Layer 2 solutions such as Optimism have also announced timelines for upgrades.A second issue stated by Coinbase relates to inactive wallets. Many accounts either have lost keys or are not using them. If their assets are not upgraded in a timely fashion these assets may become vulnerable. Every blockchain community will need to navigate those kinds of situations. Options are freezing the funds, revoking access, or leaving them exposed. All three can have long-lasting effects both on the users involved and on market forces. Coinbase also outlined its own approach, saying it is building systems that can adapt to new cryptographic standards. It is working with infrastructure partners to prepare for future upgrades. The exchange is also making its research public to promote coordination among the wider industry. .