Charles Hoskinson Warns Quantum Computers Could Break Crypto by 2033, “Over 50%” Probability

Cardano Blockchain Founder Charles Hoskinson says the crypto industry may be running out of time to prepare for the next major technological threat.

Speaking at the Consensus Miami event, Hoskinson warned there is now more than a 50% chance that commercial quantum computing systems capable of breaking current digital security standards could emerge before 2033.

Quantum Computing Isn’t “Future Generation Problem”

Most blockchain networks today, including Bitcoin and many major cryptocurrencies, rely on traditional cryptographic systems to secure wallets, private keys, and transaction signatures.

Hoskinson warned that sufficiently advanced quantum computers could eventually break many of those protections using algorithms powerful enough to solve complex mathematical problems far faster than modern computers.

If that happens, attackers could potentially gain unauthorized wallet access, forge digital signatures, or disrupt blockchain consensus systems. 

Hoskinson specifically warned that the industry should no longer treat quantum computing as a “future generation problem.”

Cardano Is Already Preparing for Quantum Threats

According to Hoskinson, Cardano is already building quantum-resistant security systems into its long-term roadmap.

“We have a whole research agenda on a quantum strategy with a lot of really good bells and whistles, and tons of partners.”

The network is focusing heavily on lattice-based cryptography, a newer form of encryption considered much harder for quantum systems to break compared to older cryptographic models.

Hoskinson also confirmed Cardano plans to integrate U.S. federal quantum-resistant cryptography standards known as FIPS 203 through 206.

These standards are designed to protect digital systems against future quantum attacks while strengthening private keys, transaction signatures, and blockchain consensus security.

Hoskinson: Bitcoin Need Major Upgrades Too

Hoskinson also pointed toward possible future upgrades for Bitcoin itself.

He referenced Bitcoin Improvement Proposal BIP-361, a proposed plan designed to gradually migrate Bitcoin users from legacy wallet addresses toward quantum-resistant alternatives over several years.

According to Hoskinson, Cardano could implement similar migration systems relatively easily through scheduled hard fork upgrades.

“It’s very easy for us to facilitate that migration path. It’s just a hard fork, we do them every year.”