TFTC: A Bitcoin Podcast #700: Preparing Bitcoin for the Quantum Era with Jonas Nick & Mikhail Kudinov
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Dec 31, 2025 In this fascinating discussion, cryptography experts Jonas Nick and Mikhail Kudinov explore the future of Bitcoin in the face of quantum threats. Jonas, a researcher focused on hash-based signatures, explains why these solutions are key for Bitcoin's security. Mikhail discusses the trade-offs between signature size and transaction speed. They dive into the implications for wallet infrastructure and the need for cautious upgrades. Together, they advocate for proactive measures without succumbing to panic, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration and rigorous research.
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Hash-Based Signatures Are Conservative
- Hash-based signatures rely only on the security of hash functions, aligning with Bitcoin's existing SHA-256 reliance.
- This makes them a conservative post-quantum option because breaking hashes is much less likely than breaking elliptic curves.
Quantum Threat Targets Curves, Not Hashes
- Quantum computers can break elliptic-curve signatures but are unlikely to break hash functions as efficiently.
- Post-quantum cryptography seeks schemes resilient even if quantum machines become powerful enough to attack current curves.
Adapt Standards To Bitcoin Use Cases
- Evaluate existing standardized post-quantum schemes like SPHINCS+ but adapt parameters for Bitcoin's transaction patterns.
- Use research to pick parameter sets that balance signature size, verification speed, and realistic signer needs.