Committing to quantum resistance: a slow defence for bitcoin against a fast quantum computing attack
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Quantum computers are expected to have a dramatic impact on numerous fields, due to their anticipated ability to solve classes of mathematical problems much more efficiently than their classical counterparts. This particularly applies to domains involving integer factorisation and discrete logarithms, such as public key cryptography. In this paper we consider the threats a quantum-capable adversary could impose on Bitcoin, which currently uses the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) to sign transactions. We then propose a simple but slow commit-delay-reveal protocol, which allows users to securely move their funds from old (non-quantum-resistant) outputs to those adhering to a quantum-resistant digital signature scheme. The transition protocol functions even if ECDSA has already been compromised. While our scheme requires modifications to the Bitcoin protocol, these can be implemented as a soft fork.
Date Issued
2018-06-01
Date Acceptance
2018-05-22
Citation
Royal Society Open Science, 2018, 5 (6)
ISSN
2054-5703
Publisher
The Royal Society
Journal / Book Title
Royal Society Open Science
Volume
5
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
© 2018 The Authors. Published by the Royal Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, which permits unrestricted use, provided the original author and source are credited.
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
180410
Date Publish Online
2018-06-20