Willy Woo releases Bitcoin "quantum-safe" guide: Taproot addresses face risks, recommends switching to SegWit addresses

Renowned Bitcoin analyst Willy Woo released a Bitcoin protection guide against quantum computing threats in November 2025, warning that current Taproot addresses (starting with “bc1p”) embed public keys and face potential risks. He recommends users transfer funds to SegWit (“bc1q”) or traditional (“1” or “3”) addresses.

Quantum computing is viewed by experts as a potential existential threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography foundation—Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA). The “quantum doomsday clock” predicts Bitcoin encryption could be broken as early as March 2028, while others like Naoris Protocol CEO David Carvalho believe the risk window is 2-3 years. Woo also confirms that Bitcoin held in ETFs, corporate treasuries, and exchange cold wallets can remain secure if proper measures are taken. However, Satoshi’s 1 million Bitcoin, which uses outdated P2PK addresses, could become prime targets for early attacks.

Principles of Quantum Threats and Risk Level Assessment

The threat of quantum computing to Bitcoin stems from its potential to crack ECDSA, the cryptographic basis for transaction authorization and fund security.

Specifically, the risk mechanism involves: when a user spends Bitcoin, the transaction must be signed with a private key, which temporarily exposes the corresponding public key; sufficiently powerful quantum computers could theoretically use Shor’s algorithm to derive the private key from the public key, enabling theft within the typical 10-minute confirmation window.

Woo highlights the risks associated with Taproot addresses (activated in November 2021): “Basically, fault-tolerant quantum computers (BSQC) can derive private keys from public keys. Currently, Taproot addresses (latest format) are insecure. Addresses starting with ‘bc1p’ embed the public key, which is problematic.” The risk level varies by address type: P2PK (Satoshi-era addresses) are most vulnerable since the public key is always exposed; Taproot addresses are next because the public key is embedded at address creation; traditional P2PKH (“1”) and P2SH (“3”) addresses are relatively safer because the public key is only revealed when spending; SegWit (“bc1q”) addresses offer similar security to traditional addresses.

Expert assessments of the timeline differ: the quantum doomsday clock predicts risk around March 2028, while Carvalho believes only 2-3 years remain. This uncertainty underscores the urgency for community action.

Bitcoin Protection Strategies and Temporary Solutions

Woo’s “Foolproof Guide” offers clear steps for ordinary Bitcoin holders to mitigate quantum threats, primarily recommending transferring funds from Taproot addresses to SegWit or traditional addresses.

Operationally, he advises executing transfers during periods of low network congestion to minimize the time public keys are exposed in mempools, thereby shortening the window of vulnerability. He warns that once funds are moved to new addresses, users should avoid spending directly from these addresses until Bitcoin implements quantum-resistant upgrades.

Technically, SegWit (activated in 2017) separates signature data from transaction data, increasing block capacity and fixing transaction malleability—laying the groundwork for second-layer solutions like the Lightning Network.

However, Charles Edwards, founder of Capriole Investments, criticizes this approach: “SegWit does not provide a true quantum protection model. We need to upgrade the network as soon as possible. Relying on this implies we have 7 years before the network might first fail. Bitcoin can adapt, but we need to see more progress now and reach consensus next year. Bitcoin is the most vulnerable network in the world.” This debate highlights internal tensions within the Bitcoin community regarding balancing urgent action with consensus-building.

Bitcoin Quantum Threats and Protective Measures

High-risk addresses: Taproot (“bc1p” addresses), P2PK (Satoshi-era addresses)

Recommended addresses: SegWit (“bc1q”), traditional (“1”/“3”)

Risk mechanism: Quantum computers can derive private keys from exposed public keys

Threat timeline: 2028-2030 (estimates vary)

Secure transfer: Execute during low network congestion, avoid spending from new addresses

Custodial solutions: ETFs, corporate treasuries, exchange cold wallets are relatively secure

Network upgrades: Require consensus-driven quantum-resistant solutions

Industry Response and Network Upgrade Pathways

The Bitcoin ecosystem’s response to quantum threats is diverse, with stakeholders adopting strategies aligned with their risk tolerance and technical capabilities. Institutional players like Coinbase Custody and BitGo are implementing quantum-aware key management, including using quantum-resistant algorithms internally and monitoring network upgrade discussions to prepare for timely asset migration.

Public companies holding Bitcoin (e.g., MicroStrategy, Tesla) mostly use custodial solutions, reducing direct risk. Exchanges and ETF issuers (e.g., BlackRock, Fidelity), with large cold storage and professional security teams, are assessed by Woo as “relatively safe if proper precautions are taken.”

However, the real challenge lies in upgrading the Bitcoin protocol itself—migrating to quantum-resistant signatures (such as hash-based Lamport signatures or lattice cryptography) requires widespread consensus among node operators. This process could take several years; Woo estimates about seven years for full implementation, including research, standardization, and deployment phases.

Historical precedents show that Taproot’s upgrade took four years from proposal to activation, and quantum-resistant upgrades involve far more complex cryptography and fundamental changes. Some experts advocate for a more urgent timeline; Edwards warns, “We need consensus next year,” reflecting higher risk immediacy.

Impact on Bitcoin Investment and Personal Strategies

For individual Bitcoin holders, the quantum threat does not pose an immediate risk but should be considered in long-term holding strategies. Following Woo’s advice, users should identify their wallet address types—most modern wallets (like Electrum, BlueWallet) generate SegWit addresses by default, but some newer versions may have switched to Taproot.

When transferring funds, verify that new addresses start with “bc1q” (SegWit), “1” (P2PKH), or “3” (P2SH), not “bc1p.” Timing transfers during periods of low network activity—often associated with price volatility or major news—can minimize confirmation times and exposure. For less technically capable users, considering custodial solutions with quantum threat protections might be more practical, though it diverges from Bitcoin’s self-custody ethos.

From an investment perspective, the quantum threat is unlikely to impact Bitcoin’s short-term price but could become a narrative in 2026-2027, similar to the 2017 block size debate or the 2021 Taproot upgrade. Investors should maintain confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term potential while monitoring core development discussions, especially Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs) related to quantum resistance.

Woo summarizes: “Quantum won’t break Bitcoin because Bitcoin will adapt. If you have a horizon of over 10 years, BTC remains the best monetary asset.”

Conclusion

Willy Woo’s quantum security guide serves as a forward-looking alert to the Bitcoin community, highlighting the potential vulnerabilities of Taproot addresses in the era of fault-tolerant quantum computers. While SegWit and traditional addresses offer temporary protection, the true solution requires network-wide consensus and implementation of quantum-resistant upgrades. Institutional custody and individual self-custody strategies each carry different risks, and early Bitcoin holdings may become prime targets for quantum attacks. As quantum computing advances steadily, Bitcoin faces its most fundamental cryptographic challenge yet, testing the resilience of decentralized governance under existential threats.