Committing to quantum resistance, better: a speed-and-risk-configurable defence for bitcoin against a fast quantum computing attack
File(s)2020-187.pdf (328.28 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Ilie, Dragos I
Knottenbelt, William J
Stewart, Iain D
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
In light of the emerging threat of powerful quantum computers appearing in the near future, we investigate the potential attacks on Bitcoin available to a quantum-capable adversary. In particular, we illustrate how Shor’s quantum algorithm can be used to forge ECDSA based signatures, allowing attackers to hijack transactions. We then propose a simple commit–delay–reveal protocol, which allows users to securely move their funds from non-quantum-resistant outputs to those adhering to a quantum-resistant digital signature scheme. In a previous paper (Stewart et al. R. Soc. Open Sci. 5(6), 180410 (2018)) [1] we presented a similar scheme with a long fixed delay. Here we improve on our previous work, by allowing each user to choose their preferred delay–long for a low risk of attack, or short if a higher risk is acceptable to that user. As before, our scheme requires modifications to the Bitcoin protocol, but once again these can be implemented as a soft fork.
Editor(s)
Pardalos, P
Kotsireas, I
Guo, Y
Knottenbelt, W
Date Issued
2020-01-01
Date Acceptance
2019-05-01
Citation
Mathematical Research for Blockchain Economy, 2020, pp.117-132
ISBN
978-3-030-37109-8
ISSN
2198-7246
Publisher
Springer International Publishing AG
Start Page
117
End Page
132
Journal / Book Title
Mathematical Research for Blockchain Economy
Copyright Statement
© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-37110-4_9
Identifier
https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000675370400008&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=a2bf6146997ec60c407a63945d4e92bb
Source
1st International Conference on Mathematical Research for Blockchain Economy (MARBLE)
Subjects
Business
Business & Economics
Computer Science
Computer Science, Theory & Methods
Economics
Mathematics
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Physical Sciences
Science & Technology
Social Sciences
Technology
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
2019-05-06
Finish Date
2019-05-09
Coverage Spatial
Santorini, GREECE
Date Publish Online
2020-02-01