Concerns about quantum computers have emerged again, with veteran crypto researcher Justin Bons warning that they could crack Zcash ($ZEC) and Monero ($XMR). In one update shared by Bons on X, the crypto researcher claims that these privacy-focused coins are at risk.
How quantum computers can deanonymize privacy coins
In particular, Bons explained that quantum computers can ‘deanonymize’ crack the elliptic curve cryptography of exposed public keys. Generally, a public key becomes visible when a user spends money from their wallet.
A quantum computer could solve the complex math behind that key and derive the private key. This allows a malicious actor or unauthorized individual to link the transaction to a real user and compromise the privacy of the transaction.
$ZEC & $XMR privacy is guaranteed to be cracked within a few years! ⚠️
Quantum computing can de-anonymize everything if the public key is made public
If lives depend on long-term privacy, use a non-ZK-based mixer
Privacy is a human right; we must recognize the risks!
— Justin Bons (@Justin_Bons) March 6, 2026
The threat of quantum computing remains a major concern for many blockchains, and Bons suggests using mixing services that do not rely on zero-knowledge proofs. He argues that this is a sure way to protect privacy in the long term when “lives depend on it.”
To be clear, a mixer is designed to pool many users’ coins, redistribute them, and make it harder to track asset ownership. This helps protect the owner’s identity.
Bons suggests that some mixers can better resist quantum computer attacks and should be embraced. This is especially important for individuals who rely on crypto for life-or-death anonymity.
Experts say the quantum threat to crypto is not immediate
In February, crypto investment and research firm CoinShares weighed in on the potential threats posed by quantum computers. Their research concluded that the threat is not immediate, especially for Bitcoin.
According to CoinShares, Bitcoin has the following Twenty years to prepare for quantum computing at risk, and even then only about 8% of the total supply may be at risk.
A similar position was taken by Bitfinex, a leading digital asset trading platform. Bitfinex claims that quantum threats are solvable and shouldn’t bother users much.