- The potential of quantum computers to eventually break encryption systems has once again brought crypto security to the forefront of discussion. Binance Chief Security Officer Jimmy Su emphasizes that while risks in this area do not pose an urgent threat today, preparation should not be delayed.
- Su assesses common misconceptions about quantum computers following a study published by Google Quantum AI researchers in March 2026, highlighting the industry’s roadmap toward post-quantum security.
Jimmy Su, Chief Security Officer at global crypto asset platform Binance, has shared a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact of quantum computers on crypto asset security. The statement addresses the five most commonly asked questions on the topic.
The assessment follows findings published by Google Quantum AI researchers in March 2026. The findings indicate that the amount of resources future quantum computers would need to break the public-key cryptography used in the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks could be up to roughly 20 times lower than previously estimated. Su emphasizes that while this study underscores the importance of early preparation, current quantum computers remain far from having the capacity to break the cryptography protecting major blockchain networks such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
“Quantum computers could pose a genuine security risk in the long run, but there is no urgent threat to crypto assets today. What matters is being prepared before that picture changes,” said Binance Chief Security Officer Jimmy Su. The key points from his statement are as follows:
No direct near-term threat: Current quantum computers lack the scale, error-correction capacity, and reliability needed to break the cryptography protecting digital assets. A sufficiently advanced quantum computer could, in the future, derive private keys from public keys using Shor’s algorithm — but today’s machines remain far from that capability.
Why preparation should start now: Google Quantum AI’s findings show that previous estimates of the resources quantum computers would need to break cryptography could drop by up to roughly 20-fold. While current machines are not capable of carrying out such an attack, these kinds of revisions suggest the industry should not delay its transition preparations.
Today’s real security risks lie elsewhere: Su notes that the biggest risks facing crypto users today are not quantum computers, but phishing attacks, malware, social engineering attempts, compromised account credentials, and weak wallet security. Emphasizing that users should maintain established security practices, Su also warns that rushing toward products marketed as “quantum-resistant” could create additional risk.
The real challenge lies in the transition, not the technology: Post-quantum cryptography algorithms already exist. What’s needed is a coordinated, industry-wide transition across developers, miners, node operators, exchanges, custody providers, wallet developers, and millions of users — a process that also brings complex governance decisions for blockchain communities.
Ecosystem-wide collaboration is needed: Ecosystem participants like Binance are closely following developments in quantum computing, evaluating post-quantum security standards, and preparing their infrastructure to support the industry’s long-term transition. Su notes that this issue cannot be solved by a single company, and requires a coordinated effort across the entire ecosystem.
A call for long-term alignment in preparing for the post-quantum era
Su concluded his statement: “The reason we’re talking about quantum today isn’t because there’s an emergency. It’s because waiting until an emergency arises could mean it’s already too late. The crypto industry has evolved through major technological shifts before. I believe it will adapt to the post-quantum era with the same spirit of preparation and collaboration. Until then, staying informed and not neglecting fundamental security measures is of great importance.”
