Part 9/10:
- Stay Informed: Follow developments like BIP 360 and prepare for upcoming protocol upgrades. Update estate plans to ensure heirs can migrate holdings if necessary.
Conclusion: An Expanding Horizon of Threat and Innovation
While quantum computing presents a credible threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography—potentially within the next 3 to 20 years—the current risk is manageable. The community's awareness and ongoing protocol improvements offer avenues for protection, but timely action is vital.
The key takeaway is that while the threat may seem distant, preparation now can prevent significant losses later. Bitcoin’s security does not rely solely on current cryptography but also on proactive upgrades and vigilant management by its users.