Cryptocurrency Information Bureau News: Quantum computers a threat to Bitcoin? Chaincode Labs report predicts the future! #QuantumComputer #Bitcoin #Cryptocurrency
Video explanation
What will happen to Bitcoin when the quantum computer of the future appears? A beginner's guide!
Hello! I'm John, your personal blockchain guide. Have you heard the term "quantum computer" in the news lately? It sounds amazing, but you're not sure what it is...So, let's take a look at how quantum computers could affect our familiar digital asset, Bitcoin, and whether we need to worry!
What is Bitcoin anyway? Why is it safe?
First, let's review! Bitcoin is like "digital money" that can be used on the Internet. It is a revolutionary system that allows people all over the world to directly exchange money without a central administrator like a bank.
You may be wondering, "But is it safe to have such important money on the Internet?" The safety of Bitcoin isEncryption technologyIt is protected by a special technology called "Secret Password." This is like magic that locks the information securely with a key so that no one else can see it.
There are two main types of "keys" involved in using Bitcoin:
- Private key：This is like a "password" to open the safe that only you know. When sending bitcoin, you use it to prove that "this is definitely my transaction." Never tell anyone your password!
- Public key：This is like a bank account number. When you receive Bitcoin from someone else, you tell them this public key (or the Bitcoin address created based on it). It's okay for others to see this.
Today's encryption technology is so powerful that deriving a private key from a public key is an almost impossible calculation that would take hundreds of millions of years for current computers. This is why Bitcoin can be exchanged safely.
So what's so great about quantum computers?
Next, let me talk about the other main character of today's article, "quantum computers." These are computers that use a different method of calculation than the personal computers and smartphones we use today (which we call "classical computers").Fundamentally different, the super-high performance computer of the future.
To put it in perspective, while a classical computer painstakingly searches one path in order, a quantum computer can instantly search countless paths simultaneously. Therefore, for a certain problem, it can find the answer much faster than current computers.
You may be wondering, "Can such a dream computer really be made?" In fact, researchers all over the world are working hard to develop it, and although it is still in the early stages, they are gradually moving towards practical use.
Main topic: Will quantum computers crack Bitcoin's encryption?
Now, here's the thing: if we were to create incredibly powerful quantum computers, what would happen to the encryption technology that keeps Bitcoin secure?
In fact, what experts are worried about is the "Shor's Algorithm" is the calculation method. By using this algorithm, it may be possible, in theory, to derive a private key from a public key, which is a premise of current cryptography.
If that were to actually happen, it would be disastrous: if someone knew your public key (which can sometimes be guessed from your Bitcoin address), they could use a quantum computer to compute your private key and steal all your Bitcoins.
Recently, Bitcoin technology research institute "Chaincode Labshas also released a report on the impact that quantum computers will have on Bitcoin, once again urging caution.
Are you worrying too much? Bitcoin isn't in danger right now!
You may be worried, "Oh! So my Bitcoin is gone?!"Don't worry! There's no need to panic right now.
There are a few reasons:
- There are no practical quantum computers yetQuantum computers powerful enough to break Bitcoin's encryption have not yet been developed. Experts are divided on when they will appear, but some say it will be at least 5 to 10 years from now, and possibly much longer.
- The Bitcoin community is considering measures: Bitcoin developers and researchers have been aware of this problem for years and are already working on solutions to it.
- Not all Bitcoins are equally dangerousFor example, a Bitcoin address that has never been used for a transaction (or, more precisely, whose public key has not yet been published on the blockchain) is said to be relatively safe, because a quantum computer needs the public key to calculate the private key.
Future proofing: How will Bitcoin fare against quantum computers?
So how can Bitcoin protect itself against the emergence of powerful quantum computers in the future?
The main measures being considered are:Quantum-resistant cryptography"Or"Quantum-resistant cryptographyThe move is to a new encryption technology called 'cryptographic encryption,' a futuristic encryption designed to be difficult to crack, even with quantum computers.
Introducing this new cryptography to Bitcoin requires changing the fundamental rules of Bitcoin.fork" It will be important for the Bitcoin community to reach a consensus on this issue. It may take time, but Bitcoin has evolved so far, so we're sure it will be able to overcome it!
In addition, self-defense measures that we users can take, such as never reusing a Bitcoin address that has already been used (using a new address each time), may become even more important.
John's words
Well, when I hear about quantum computers, it sounds like something from science fiction, but research is progressing steadily. It's kind of exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and mysterious that new technologies like Bitcoin will be challenged by even newer technologies in the future. But if we understand the problem, we should be able to find a solution! I look forward to the wisdom and power of the Bitcoin community!
This article is based on the following original articles and is summarized from the author's perspective:
What Happens to Bitcoin When Quantum Computers
Arrive?