StarkWare has executed what it claims is the first quantum-proof Bitcoin transaction, moving 3.1 BTC using a “signature grinding” method developed by Avihu Levy, head of the applications team. The technique generates multiple signature options to avoid leaking public-key data while a transaction is pending in the mempool, protecting against potential quantum computing attacks. Crucially, the solution does not require forking the Bitcoin network. The non-standard transaction was submitted directly to miner MARA, which accepted it via its Slipstream system. Despite the success, StarkWare states a permanent protocol-level fix is still needed for widespread quantum resistance.
StarkWare has performed a Bitcoin transaction claimed to be the first-ever quantum-proof transaction on the network. The move represents a significant step toward protection against possible future quantum computing attacks on Bitcoin, and it will not be necessary to fork the network to implement it.
The solution was created by Avihu Levy, head of the applications team, as stated. It uses a signature grinding approach that helps avoid the risk of leaking private keys during a transaction while it is pending in the mempool. Transactions can reveal mathematical data before being mined, which a powerful enough quantum computer could theoretically exploit.
Rather than picking the first good enough signature, the mechanism creates many options and tries them until the signature does not reveal public-key data. This computationally intensive process may take several hours, but it offers a solution without altering the Bitcoin protocol.
The transaction transferred 3.1 BTC using the new method. It could not be carried out via ordinary Bitcoin nodes due to its unorthodox nature, so it was submitted directly to miner MARA, which agreed to accept it using its Slipstream system.
Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO of StarkWare, stated that the process is only reassuring and that the industry must prepare for something bigger. He likened the situation to “having the lifeboats ready even when the whole ship should be ready in case of an emergency.”
Levy has backed a proposed protocol-level change that would protect Bitcoin at the level of all users. If quantum computing becomes advanced enough to break Bitcoin’s cryptography, some coins may be rendered unspendable. The firm believes a protocol-level fix will be necessary to bring quantum resistance to Bitcoin. At the time of writing, STRK was trading at $0.03 with a 24-hour trading volume of $19.14 million and a market cap of $179.59 million.
