[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong] Alan Baratz (알랜 바라츠), chief executive of quantum computing company D-Wave, warned that Bitcoin’s proof-of-work (PoW) system could eventually be breached by quantum computing, blockchain outlet U.Today reported on July 29 (local time).

Baratz said quantum computing will eventually break Bitcoin’s proof-of-work protocol. His main point was that proof of work, regarded as one of the security foundations of the Bitcoin network, could become a target of quantum technology attacks over the long term. Rather than whether there is an immediate threat, he raised the issue that if technological advances continue, Bitcoin’s security structure may no longer be an absolute line of defense.

D-Wave is one of the leading companies in the quantum computing industry. The fact that the CEO of such a company directly mentioned Bitcoin and pointed to possible weaknesses in the proof-of-work system could heighten market vigilance. Bitcoin has maintained security based on a decentralised network and a mining structure, and Baratz warned by targeting the proof-of-work protocol itself, a key pillar of that model.

The strength of the language was also clear. Baratz said quantum computing will break Bitcoin’s proof-of-work protocol and described the timing as “eventually”. This shows that advances in quantum computing may not remain at the level of experiments and could raise structural questions for existing cryptographic systems and network security models more broadly.

The warning could help revive long-standing debate in the cryptocurrency market about quantum threats. The confirmed fact in this case is Baratz’s warning itself. No specific response by the Bitcoin network, timing for a real attack possibility or technical alternatives were presented. It is therefore difficult to say the market structure has changed immediately, but the idea that Bitcoin’s security system could become a test subject in future technological competition has been highlighted again.

The remarks also underscore the need for cryptocurrency networks to prepare not only for price moves and wider adoption, but also for long-term changes in cryptographic technology. Bitcoin’s proof-of-work model has been cited as central to network trust, but Baratz appeared to view its foundation as potentially not permanent in the face of quantum computing. The Bitcoin and digital asset industry is in a situation where it will have to watch both the pace of quantum technology development and how security systems can respond.