The worst fear is not being hacked today, but that on-chain historical transactions will be retrospectively verified in the future.

Coinbase warns quantum-era risks to proof-of-stake: validator signatures and wallet cryptography could become vulnerable; transition to quantum-resistant systems will be complex and multi-year, requiring early planning despite no immediate threat.
Abstract: This report from Coinbase’s Independent Advisory Board analyzes long-term security risks for proof-of-stake blockchains as quantum computing progresses. It highlights validator signatures and wallet-level cryptography as areas potentially vulnerable to quantum attacks, while acknowledging that present systems remain secure. The authors emphasize a careful, multi-year transition toward quantum-resistant cryptography, requiring coordinated upgrades across wallets, exchanges, and blockchain infrastructure and early planning to mitigate future threats before they become practical.