Trump Orders Quantum Computing Push, Exposed Bitcoin at Risk

President Donald Trump's recent executive orders have put quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography back in the spotlight. On June 22, two executive orders were signed that require federal high-value assets and high-impact systems to adopt post-quantum cryptography for encryption keys by December 31, 2030, and digital signatures by December 31, 2031.

The second order creates a program aimed at delivering a quantum computer capable of scientific applications beyond the reach of existing classical machines to a Department of Energy facility. Charles Edwards, founder of Caprioles, said that 'Quantum Computing is probably the most undervalued asset class in the world by orders of magnitude.'

According to data from 21Shares, nearly 7 million Bitcoin sit in outputs whose public keys have been exposed and could be attacked by a sufficiently powerful quantum computer. Exposed Bitcoin currently amounts to almost $449 billion. The security model of modern cryptocurrencies relies heavily on public-key cryptography, which can be vulnerable to attacks by quantum computers.