Bitcoin devs proposed a phased transition of the network to post-quantum cryptography. The goal is to ensure resilience against potential quantum computer attacks by 2030.
Bitcoin developers published an official Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) detailing a strategy for migrating the network to quantum-resistant cryptography. The document outlines a gradual migration plan leading up to 2030.
The authors emphasize that the network must be prepared for quantum threats well before practical quantum computers emerge. The proposal suggests replacing the current ECDSA signature scheme with post-quantum algorithms, specifically the Dilithium3 scheme, chosen for its balance between security and signature size. The transition would be gradual and backward compatible — new addresses will use the quantum-resistant scheme, while existing addresses will remain functional until migration is complete.
Special attention is given to addresses whose public keys are already revealed on the blockchain — estimated at around 25%. These addresses would be the primary targets of potential quantum attacks and should be phased out. To mitigate risks, the proposal includes eventually disabling spending from addresses not migrated to the secure scheme.
No hard fork will be required. The authors suggest using soft forks and new operation codes (opcodes). This approach is expected to allow gradual deployment without disrupting current nodes. Node operators, including wallets and exchanges, will need to update their software to support the new address and transaction formats.
The transition period is planned to span several years, during which users can transfer funds to new addresses and developers will implement support for the new standards. In the final phase, Bitcoin will fully deprecate the old signature scheme and complete the shift to quantum-resistant cryptography.
The BIP is currently under open discussion, with the community actively reviewing the proposal. The authors plan to soon finalize the choice of the new consensus algorithm, define potential network load limits, and resolve compatibility issues between new and existing technical solutions.
The quantum threat is no longer purely hypothetical. Researchers from technological universities and industry experts warn that quantum technologies could soon compromise blockchain security. For instance, Ethereum’s Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin stated that current user funds aren’t protected against quantum attacks, which could pose a significant problem soon. This concern is heightened as major electronics manufacturers announce plans to commercially release quantum computers within the next few years, with cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQC) possibly emerging by 2030.
