Bitcoin devs float 'quantum tripwire' that triggers coin freeze only if attack is proven
CoinDesk
BitMEX Research proposes a 'canary' system to freeze vulnerable Bitcoin wallets only if a quantum attacker proves their capability on-chain.Summary
Bitcoin developers are exploring a 'wait and react' strategy to defend against future quantum computing threats, moving away from rigid, pre-scheduled freezes. Proposed by BitMEX Research, the plan utilizes a 'canary' address containing a bounty; if a quantum attacker unlocks it, a network-wide freeze on vulnerable wallets is triggered automatically. This approach aims to avoid the controversial, preemptive invalidation of older signature schemes, though it relies on the uncertain assumption that an attacker would claim a public bounty rather than covertly stealing funds.
(Source：CoinDesk)