a16z crypto's Justin Thaler calls for calm on quantum risk, January 25, 2026

On January 25, 2026, a16z crypto research partner Justin Thaler urged the blockchain industry to temper fears about quantum attacks. He said breaking Bitcoin and Ethereum signature schemes in the 2020s is unlikely and warned premature post‑quantum migrations could raise near‑term risks, while endorsing immediate hybrid encryption where long‑term confidentiality matters.