Concerns over the rise of quantum computing and its threat to blockchain security have come back into focus, with a new analysis highlighting XRP’s risk profile versus Bitcoin’s in this context.
Quantum risk profile: XRP versus Bitcoin
A validator on the XRP Ledger has presented data indicating that XRP accounts may have much less exposure to quantum-based hacks than Bitcoin wallets. This is attributed to the way XRP manages account activity and key exposure compared to Bitcoin.
Quantum computers represent a future threat to blockchain networks because they could theoretically derive private keys from public keys that have appeared on-chain. The vulnerability mainly arises after a user spends or moves funds from their digital wallet, which exposes their public key to anyone monitoring the blockchain.
On the XRP Ledger, around 300,000 accounts, which together hold roughly 2.4 billion XRP, have never made a transaction. Because these accounts have not revealed their public keys, they are currently shielded from quantum-based attacks based on present threat models.
Additionally, it was determined that just two XRP wallets, containing approximately 21 million XRP in total, have remained inactive for over five years while having public keys visible on-chain. The share of such vulnerable accounts is estimated to account for only 0.03% of XRP’s total supply.
Dormant, vulnerable XRP whales are nearly nonexistent according to the validator’s findings. Most active accounts have public keys exposed, but signing key rotation is available to increase security if threats arise. While this is not a complete solution, the validator noted that true protection will require future adoption of quantum-resistant algorithms.
XRPL operates as an account-based platform, offering account owners the ability to rotate signing keys without changing the account address—a process designed to further limit exposure to potential key extraction risks.
Bitcoin’s larger quantum exposure and industry responses
Comparisons with Bitcoin reveal a much higher level of quantum vulnerability on the older network. Recent analysis published by Google points out that around 6.7 million BTC—nearly 32% of the total Bitcoin supply—sits in addresses currently susceptible to quantum decryption, as their public keys have been exposed on-chain.
This figure also covers about 1 million BTC believed to have been mined by Satoshi Nakamoto, whose true identity remains unknown. Charlie Lee, who created Litecoin, recently commented that Satoshi’s dormant coins are even less defended than most active holdings if quantum technology advances far enough.
The million Bitcoins originally attributed to Satoshi are especially at risk, Lee warned, indicating that quantum breakthroughs would likely target those assets first due to their weaker security mechanisms.
Despite the disparities between Bitcoin and XRP, current quantum computers are not yet powerful enough to compromise leading blockchains. XRP Ledger further bolsters protection through escrow features, giving users additional options for safeguarding assets over time.
For now, data from the XRP validator and external research signal that although vigilance is required as quantum capabilities evolve, the immediate risk to XRP holders—especially for large dormant accounts—remains quite limited compared to some major cryptocurrencies.
