MicroStrategy's CEO Michael Saylor warns that the biggest risk to Bitcoin is ambitious opportunists who want to change the protocol.
This comment comes as Coinbase and the Ethereum network are trying to address one of Bitcoin's biggest long-term threats: quantum computers.
Bitcoin's quantum dilemma brings the discussion of protocol change into focus again
MicroStrategy's founder states that the protocol's immutability is Bitcoin's most important protection. Michael Saylor argues that internal attempts to 'improve' the network are more dangerous than external technical threats.
The comment highlights Bitcoin's role as neutral digital money in debates such as around the BIP-110 proposal.
BIP-110 had 2.38% support from nodes on January 25, 2026. The proposal temporarily wants to limit transaction data (for example, OP_RETURN to 83 bytes) to stop 'spam' from non-monetary uses.
The discussion now divides the community between pure supporters who prefer Bitcoin Knots and those who use Bitcoin Core for broader purposes.
Some developers are concerned about rapid or politically motivated changes. Others warn that it is a risk to ignore new threats.
The tension is clearer when Coinbase announces that they are creating an independent advisory group for quantum computers and blockchain security.
The group will investigate how future advancements in large quantum computers could threaten Bitcoin's cryptographic security. They will publish open research, risk assessments, and technical advice for the entire ecosystem.
The core of the concern is elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) that underlies Bitcoin's ECDSA and Schnorr signatures.
In theory, a powerful enough quantum computer using Shor's algorithm could calculate private keys from public keys. Then attackers could create fake transactions or drain unprotected wallets.
Such machines are likely at least 5 years away. But the long time required for secure protocol changes makes quantum resistance increasingly important.
Coinbase's advisory group gathers leading researchers in cryptography and quantum research, among others:
Stanford professor Dan Boneh
Quantum theorist Scott Aaronson from the University of Texas
Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake, and
EigenLayers founder Sreeram Kannan.
According to Coinbase, the group will work independently and publish reports on the development of quantum computers.
They will also advise developers and institutions and respond quickly to new breakthroughs in the field.
Bitcoin's quantum discussion is moving from theory to engineering reality
The initiative shows how Bitcoin developers are now viewing this issue in a new way.
Data from 2025 shows a clear increase in discussions about quantum computers on Bitcoin's mailing lists. Over 10% of technical conversations now concern quantum security, after several years of near silence.
The conversation is now about concrete technical issues, such as how Bitcoin can transition from ECC to quantum-resistant signatures via soft forks without disrupting the network.
Despite this development, most researchers warn against rushing protocol changes. Many believe that one should wait until organizations like NIST have developed quantum-resistant standards, rather than implementing premature upgrades that could introduce new vulnerabilities.
Therefore, many see Coinbase's initiative as a preparation rather than panic. The idea is that Bitcoin and other blockchains should have credible solutions long before quantum attacks become a real threat.
The contrast with Ethereum is also becoming clearer. The Ethereum Foundation has recently stated that quantum security is a strategic top priority. Therefore:
They are forming special teams
Funding cryptographic research, and
Conducting live tests of quantum-safe development networks.
Ethereum representatives are now part of Coinbase's advisory group. This shows that quantum readiness is now seen as a concern for the entire industry and many different blockchains together.
As quantum research accelerates and institutions begin to work more to future-proof crypto infrastructure, it may become harder to maintain balance.
