Bitcoin developer proposes landmines to deter quantum computer theft
The proposal would require attackers to post collateral when moving vulnerable funds, allowing owners to seize the deposit if a theft is attempted.
Key takeaways
- 1Developer proposes "landmines" to protect older Bitcoin addresses from quantum attacks.
- 2Attackers would be forced to lock up matching collateral to move vulnerable funds.
- 3Original owners would have a window to claim both their funds and the attacker's bond.
A Bitcoin developer has proposed a new security mechanism called "landmines" to protect the network from future quantum computing attacks. CoinDesk reported on Thursday that the system would require anyone attempting to move bitcoin from vulnerable older addresses to provide matching collateral. If an attacker tries to steal funds using a quantum computer, the rightful owner would have a window to claim both the original funds and the attacker's deposit.
The mechanism targets older bitcoin addresses that are considered vulnerable to future quantum decryption. Under the proposal, a transaction involving these funds would not be processed immediately. Instead, the person initiating the transfer must lock up an equivalent amount of bitcoin as a bond. This delay gives the original owner time to prove their ownership and seize the bond, making the cost of a failed theft attempt equal to the value of the target funds.
Bitcoin is the largest digital asset by market value, currently trading at $75,955 with a total market capitalisation of $1,527.1bn, according to YourKhabri data. While quantum computers capable of breaking Bitcoin's encryption do not yet exist, developers have long discussed how to secure the 18-year-old network against future hardware advances. The concern centres on early address types where the security depends on mathematical problems that quantum machines could eventually solve.
The proposal suggests a shift toward active defence rather than just upgrading encryption algorithms. If implemented, it would provide a path for long-term holders to secure their assets without needing to move them to new address types immediately. Traders will watch for feedback from other core developers to see if the proposal gains enough support for a future software upgrade. The success of such a measure would likely reduce fears regarding the long-term viability of the network as quantum technology matures.
Reported and edited by the YourKhabri desk under our editorial policy. Nothing here is investment advice.