Concerns are rising over the security of blockchain assets as quantum computing technology advances. Near One, the team behind the NEAR Protocol, has emphasized the urgent need for new verification systems to ensure ownership in the face of potential quantum attacks that could compromise wallet keys and private data. On May 7, 2026, Near One's chief technology officer, Anton Astafiev, outlined the risks associated with quantum computing, warning that it may soon become impossible to verify rightful ownership of assets during transactions.
Astafiev indicated that blockchain protocols may face a dilemma: to either freeze compromised wallets or risk entering a chaotic environment where ownership cannot be verified. He proposed that technologies like zero-knowledge proofs could provide solutions, allowing owners to prove their rights without exposing sensitive information. Currently, NEAR developers are working on a post-quantum-safe signing system, safeguarding over $137.6 million in user funds.
This push for enhanced security measures follows alarming claims from researchers at Google and the California Institute of Technology, who suggested that quantum computers might be able to break Bitcoin’s cryptography in as little as 10 minutes. As the threat of quantum attacks looms, the importance of cross-ecosystem research and collaboration becomes increasingly clear.