Researcher Proposes Quantum-Safe Bitcoin Solution

A researcher has proposed a quantum-safe Bitcoin solution, dubbed Quantum Safe Bitcoin (QSB), designed to secure Bitcoin against large-scale quantum attacks without requiring a soft fork.

Introduction to Quantum-Safe Bitcoin

QSB works within Bitcoin's existing legacy script constraints and consensus rules, replacing ECDSA security assumptions with hash-based ones. This innovative approach uses a hash-to-signature puzzle built around RIPEMD-160 and a HORS-like one-time signature scheme.

How QSB Works

Key Components

• Hash-based security assumptions
• RIPEMD-160 hash function
• HORS-like one-time signature scheme

The QSB design keeps the logic inside current Bitcoin script limits, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. However, this comes at a cost: the estimated cloud GPU compute per transaction is around $75 to $150, making it more practical for exceptional or high-value transfers.

Benefits and Limitations

The QSB proposal offers a fallback path for Bitcoin to ensure security against quantum attacks without waiting for a protocol change. Miner-direct submission is required, as the transaction would be non-standard. While this solution is not suitable for daily payments, it provides a secure option for high-value transactions.

Key Takeaways

• QSB is a quantum-safe Bitcoin solution that works within existing legacy script constraints
• The solution uses hash-based security assumptions and a hash-to-signature puzzle
• Estimated cloud GPU compute per transaction is around $75 to $150
• QSB is more practical for exceptional or high-value transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quantum Safe Bitcoin (QSB)?

QSB is a transaction scheme designed to secure Bitcoin against large-scale quantum attacks without requiring a soft fork.

Is QSB suitable for daily payments?

No, due to the high compute cost and relay limits, QSB is more practical for exceptional or high-value transfers.