Quantum computer’s first attack may look like unexplained wallet hack: Quantus co-founder

Quantus Network co-founder Christopher Smith said the first attack by a quantum computer capable of breaking modern cryptography may not appear as an obvious BTC theft, according to Cointelegraph. Smith said a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could derive private keys from public keys exposed on-chain, allowing funds to be stolen without signs of a wallet or exchange system breach. Smith added attackers may target exchange hot wallets or keys with authority to issue Tether (USDT), rather than Satoshi’s wallets. Smith said there is a 50% chance the first such attack arrives by 2028, and stressed the industry should accelerate a transition to post-quantum cryptography despite the uncertainty.