Bitcoin Core developer proposes quantum landmines and collateral rules to deter quantum theft
Bitcoin Core developer Cory Fields has outlined conceptual mechanisms requiring collateral to spend legacy coins, aiming to deter future quantum-computer thefts by allowing owners and third parties to seize attackers' funds.
Bitcoin Core developer Cory Fields has floated three conceptual mechanisms designed to deter future quantum-enabled thefts of legacy bitcoin: Quantum Landmines, Staked Auction, and Sats Auction. Under the proposed framework, spending legacy BTC once quantum attacks become feasible would require spenders to put up an equivalent amount of bitcoin as collateral.[1][3]
The Quantum Landmines concept operates as a commit-reveal scheme utilizing hidden decoy outputs. Coin owners who establish cryptographic proofs in advance could trigger these defenses if an attacker attempts to exploit their vulnerable outputs, allowing legitimate holders to reclaim their coins while confiscating the attacker's posted collateral.[1][2][3]
To address legacy addresses where private keys are believed lost, Fields proposed auction mechanisms that introduce financial risk for attackers by enabling third parties to bid for and claim the attacker's collateral. In the Staked Auction design, vulnerable coins would be burned rather than returned to the original owner. Fields emphasized that all three mechanisms remain conceptual, with implementation details yet to be developed.[1]
Key facts
- Bitcoin Core developer Cory Fields proposed three mechanisms to deter quantum-enabled Bitcoin theft: Quantum Landmines, Staked Auction, and Sats Auction.
- Under the framework, spending legacy bitcoin after quantum attacks become feasible would require equivalent BTC collateral.
- Quantum Landmines relies on decoy outputs and cryptographic proofs established in advance, allowing owners to move their coins and seize an attacker's collateral.
- The proposed auction mechanisms allow third parties to compete for an attacker's collateral even when original keys are believed lost.
- In the Staked Auction model, vulnerable bitcoin would be burned instead of being recovered by the original owner.
- Fields noted that the mechanisms are purely conceptual and implementation details have not yet been developed.
Sources · 3 sources
- WB
Wu Blockchain@WuBlockchainPost on X ·
Bitcoin Core Developer Proposes Collateral and Auction Mechanisms to Deter Quantum Theft Bitcoin Core developer Cory Fields has outlined three proposed mechanisms, Quantum Landmines, Staked Auction, and Sats Auction, to deter future quantum-enabled Bitcoin theft. Under the proposed framework, spending legacy BTC after quantum attacks become feasible would require equivalent BTC collateral. Quantum Landmines would allow owners who established cryptographic proofs in advance to protect their funds and claim an attacker's collateral. The auction mechanisms would introduce financial risks for attackers even when the original private keys are believed to be lost, allowing third parties to compete for the attacker's collateral. In the proposed Staked Auction design, the vulnerable BTC would be burned rather than recovered by its original owner. Fields emphasized that the mechanisms remain conceptual, with implementation details yet to be developed.
Open source - CN
crypto.news@cryptodotnewsPost on X ·
BIG: Bitcoin developer proposes “quantum landmines” to deter future crypto theft The idea from Cory Fields would hide decoy outputs in transactions, potentially allowing owners to reclaim stolen BTC and seize an attacker’s collateral if quantum hackers try to exploit vulnerable coins.
Open source - CO
Cointelegraph@CointelegraphPost on X ·
🚨 NEW: A Bitcoin Core dev wants to booby-trap coins against quantum hackers. Cory Fields floated "quantum landmines" on the Bitcoin dev mailing list, where hidden decoy outputs would let owners claw back stolen coins and take the attacker's collateral. https://t.co/yJlqO0QtA4
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