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USDC faces long-term quantum security risk
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USDC faces long-term quantum security risk

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  • USDC (CRYPTO:USDC) faces a complex quantum security challenge across 37 mainnet networks.
  • Circle says developers should review their cryptography and prepare for future key rotation.
  • The stablecoin had a market value of about US$73.6 billion on September 2.

USDC (CRYPTO:USDC) may be only as secure as the weakest wallet, bridge or blockchain supporting it.

Circle said its USDC footprint spans 37 mainnet networks, each with different upgrade systems and security requirements.

The warning comes after a quantum circuit record reached 813 logical qubits, raising concerns about future attacks on blockchain signatures.

Circle said developers should review their cryptography, check vendor dependencies and prepare for key rotation.

However, the 813-qubit record does not show that a quantum attack is currently possible or provide a date for one.

The challenge is broader than Circle, because wallets, custodians, bridges and blockchain networks must also support safer signing systems.

Circle can protect its own infrastructure, but it cannot change private keys or signature rules across networks such as Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) and Solana (CRYPTO:SOL).


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