Quantum-safe bitcoin now possible without a soft fork, but costs $200 a pop, new research shows

by

Markets

What to know:

  • A StarkWare researcher has proposed Quantum Safe Bitcoin, a hash-based scheme that can make bitcoin transactions resistant to quantum attacks today without changing the Bitcoin protocol.
  • The method works within existing consensus rules but requires massive off-chain GPU computation, driving estimated costs to $75 to $200 per transaction and making it far more complex than standard payments.
  • Framed as a last-resort emergency tool rather than a permanent fix, QSB contrasts with long-term proposals like BIP-360, which seek protocol-level quantum resistance but are likely years away from activation.

Okay, folks, let’s talk about the magic of Quantum Safe Bitcoin-because, you know, that’s what we need, right? Bitcoin that’s safe from quantum attacks. And no, you don’t need to update your protocol or do anything fancy like a soft fork. Oh, except for the small detail that it’ll cost you a cool $200 per transaction. But hey, who’s counting?

So, a StarkWare researcher, Avihu Levy, published a paper on this groundbreaking “solution” called Quantum Safe Bitcoin (QSB). And no, it’s not a permanent fix-it’s more like an emergency button. You know, for when quantum computers are at your door, and you need to secure your Bitcoin before the digital apocalypse.

Now, here’s the kicker: QSB replaces the traditional Bitcoin signature system with hash-based proofs. It’s like replacing your handwritten signature with a fingerprint. But instead of just being safer, it’s also a lot more expensive. You’ll be coughing up anywhere from $75 to $200 per transaction. Not exactly the cheap thrill we were hoping for, huh?

And let’s be real: if you want to use this quantum-safe method, you’re not just clicking a button in your wallet. No, no, no. You’re going to need some off-chain GPU power. Think of it like hiring an army of supercomputers to verify your transaction. Because why wouldn’t you want to outsource your Bitcoin security to the cloud? It’s not like you’re just sending money around for a cup of coffee.

But wait-there’s more! Unlike the smooth, fast Bitcoin transactions we’re used to, these bad boys are going to be a pain. You can’t use the Lightning Network, and you definitely can’t just zap them through the blockchain. Nope, you’ll be directly sending them to miners who are willing to process these super-expensive transactions. Because, why not make it harder?

Extra cost

So now you’re thinking, “Alright, Levy, give me the numbers. How much is this going to set me back?” Well, according to our friendly researcher, you’re looking at $75 to $200 per transaction using good ol’ cloud GPUs. Compare that to the 33-cent cost of a regular Bitcoin transaction. Feels like a steal, doesn’t it?

And before you get excited about how great this is, let me remind you that it’s not a replacement for the long-term solution-BIP-360. That’s the one that promises to make Bitcoin quantum-resistant with a soft fork, but who knows when that’s going to happen. My guess? In about five years, right after we’ve all become digital dinosaurs.

So, there you go. Quantum-safe Bitcoin is here! If you’ve got an extra $200 burning a hole in your pocket and you’re feeling lucky, go ahead and give it a shot. Otherwise, just sit tight and wait for BIP-360-because that’ll probably work… eventually.

Read More

2026-04-10 06:54