Someone recently brought up an uncomfortable truth about quantum computing—the kind of thing that keeps security experts up at night. Right now, there are supercomputers powerful enough to crack Bitcoin's encryption. Not theoretical machines decades away. Actual systems that exist today.

This isn't some distant sci-fi scenario anymore. The computational power needed to break SHA-256 and ECDSA cryptography is within reach of advanced quantum processors. Which raises an obvious question: what happens when quantum computers become more accessible?

The implications go beyond just BTC. Ethereum, Ripple, pretty much every major blockchain relies on similar cryptographic foundations. If quantum threats materialize faster than network upgrades, we might see capital rotating toward quantum-resistant alternatives. Some newer protocols are already building with post-quantum cryptography in mind.

Not saying Bitcoin dies tomorrow. But the clock is ticking on upgrading these networks before quantum computing goes mainstream. The projects that adapt first could end up capturing significant market share during that transition.