Swan Founder: AI Is a Bigger Near-Term Threat to Bitcoin Than Quantum

Swan Bitcoin founder Cory Klippsten warned that artificial intelligence poses a more immediate threat to Bitcoin security than quantum computing. Speaking on Cointelegraph’s Chain Reaction, he said hackers are using large language models to identify vulnerabilities and exploit crypto systems with little more than a few prompts.

Klippsten estimated that quantum computers capable of threatening Bitcoin’s cryptography remain at least a decade away, if they emerge at all. He said Bitcoin could adopt quantum-resistant protections if the risk became credible, but argued that rushing to introduce new cryptographic systems could create unnecessary complexity and security weaknesses.

His warning followed recent incidents involving major cryptocurrency platforms. Brazil’s Mercado Bitcoin suspended deposits and withdrawals after a security incident in which researchers estimated that more than $46 million left its wallets. The article also cited an Oct. 29 attack on Binance in which $6.3 billion was stolen; the FBI attributed the operation to North Korean hackers.

Klippsten also criticized crypto startups and investors who use concerns about quantum computing to attract funding, describing much of the discussion as fear, uncertainty and doubt. His central message was that security teams should focus first on immediate AI-assisted attacks while avoiding rushed software changes that could expose users to greater risks.