StarkWare Challenge Reduces Quantum-Safe Bitcoin Compute Estimate by 79 Percent
(6 days ago) · 1 source · Summarized by CryptoBipto — how we make this
A challenge organized by StarkWare has reportedly produced results that cut the estimated computational resources needed to make Bitcoin quantum-safe by 79 percent. The effort focused on reducing the overhead associated with implementing post-quantum cryptographic protections for Bitcoin transactions.
WHY IT MATTERS
Bitcoin relies on a type of math called elliptic curve cryptography to keep wallets secure. Think of it like a lock that is extremely hard for today's computers to pick. However, future quantum computers might be able to pick that lock easily. To prepare for this, researchers are working on new types of locks, called post-quantum cryptography, that even quantum computers could not break. The problem is that these new locks are much bigger and slower to use. StarkWare's challenge found ways to make these new locks significantly less resource-intensive, which could make it more practical to eventually upgrade Bitcoin's security. No immediate changes to Bitcoin are happening as a result, but this kind of research helps the community prepare for potential future threats.
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