While Bitcoin is arguably the most secure network in existence due to its massive decentralization, "zero risk" doesn't exist in technology.
It’s helpful to distinguish between the Bitcoin Network (which has never been hacked) and the ecosystem around it (which gets hacked constantly).
Here are the four primary risks that keep even the most "maxi" Bitcoiners on their toes:
1. Protocol & 51% Attacks
While incredibly expensive and difficult, it is theoretically possible for a single entity to gain more than 50% of the network's mining power (hash rate).
The Risk: An attacker could block new transactions or "double-spend" coins.
The Reality: As of 2026, the cost to rent or buy enough hardware to do this is so astronomical that it's generally considered "economically irrational."
2. Quantum Computing Threats
There is a long-term concern regarding the development of quantum computers powerful enough to crack the elliptic curve cryptography (ECDSA) that Bitcoin uses.
The Risk: A quantum computer could derive a private key from a public address, essentially stealing funds.
The Defense: The Bitcoin community is already researching "Quantum Resistant" signatures. It would require a soft fork (network upgrade) to implement.
3. Human & Smart Contract Risk
Most "Bitcoin hacks" you hear about aren't hacks of the blockchain itself, but of the things built on top of it or the people holding it.
Custodial Risk: If you keep your Bitcoin on an exchange, you aren't relying on Bitcoin's security—you're relying on the exchange's security.
Layer 2 Risks: Innovations like the Lightning Network or Stacks introduce new code. New code can have bugs that the core Bitcoin protocol does not have.
4. Regulatory & Social Attacks
The "Social Layer" is a risk. If governments coordinate to ban mining or make it impossible for on-ramps (banks) to interact with the network, the liquidity and utility of the network could be severely damaged, even if the math remains perfect.