a16z Report: Recommends Differentiated Blockchain Approaches to Quantum Computing Threats

ChainCatcher news: Although quantum computers pose a long-term threat to cryptography, the actual risk is generally overstated. Reports indicate that the likelihood of a “cryptographically relevant quantum computer” capable of breaking modern encryption systems emerging before 2030 is extremely low. a16z recommends the immediate deployment of hybrid encryption schemes to counter “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL) attacks, but blockchains do not need to rush to adopt post-quantum signature technologies, as digital signatures are not affected by HNDL attacks. Bitcoin faces particular challenges due to its slow governance mechanisms and a large number of potentially abandoned quantum-vulnerable coins, making it necessary to plan migration paths early. Privacy chains, which encrypt transaction data, are under more urgent pressure to implement post-quantum protection. The report emphasizes that achieving current security and addressing vulnerabilities are more pressing threats than the distant risk of quantum computing and offers seven specific recommendations to help the industry address quantum challenges.