Bitcoin Developer Proposes a Quantum Trap for Hackers
Bitcoin Core developer Cory Fields has introduced 'quantum landmines' to protect vulnerable wallets from future quantum computer attacks.
As Bitcoin approaches Q-Day when quantum computers could break its cryptography, Fields wants to make stealing vulnerable coins a costly gamble. On November 4, he introduced 'quantum landmines' to the Bitcoin Development Mailing List, allowing owners to secretly prepare traps that punish future hackers.
How Quantum Traps Work
Bitcoin owners with vulnerable wallets could create hidden proofs of ownership in quantum-safe outputs. When quantum attacks become possible, anyone attempting to move those coins must provide an equal amount as collateral, with both amounts facing a potential 30-day waiting period.
If a hacker steals the Bitcoin, the legitimate owner can reveal their secret proof during that window, recover their BTC and seize the hacker's deposit, potentially walking away with twice their original holdings.
attackers would become 'wary of stealing coins as they may be secretly guarded by mines.'
Challenges for Bitcoin Holders
The blockchain cannot distinguish hackers from legitimate owners, meaning everyone moving vulnerable Bitcoin would face the same collateral requirement. Someone holding 10 BTC in an old wallet might need another 10 BTC in quantum-safe funds just to move their savings.
Dormant Bitcoin, including potentially Satoshi-era holdings, presents another complication. If private keys are lost, owners cannot prepare landmines. Fields proposes alternative auction mechanisms where bidders could challenge hackers and claim their deposits.
Satoshi's Holdings
Binance founder CZ has suggested freezing Satoshi's estimated 1 million BTC if they remain dormant. 'Why don't we give a timeline say within 6 months or 12 months, if those coins don't move then we're going to lock them,' he proposed in June 2026.
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