Bitcoin’s quantum threat: Naoris offers bounty to break crypto encryption
Naoris, a cybersecurity firm focused on protecting digital assets from quantum computer threats, is offering bounties totaling $120,000 for breaking key cryptographic algorithms in the crypto industry. The largest reward, $50,000, is for breaking secp256k1, which secures Bitcoin and Ethereum among others. Other bounties include $30,000 for Ed25519 and $20,000 for attacks on NIST P-256. If secp256k1 were compromised, there could be severe consequences for Bitcoin and many associated technologies. Experts believe quantum computers will eventually threaten modern cryptography, prompting the crypto community to prepare. Recent proposals aim to enhance Bitcoin's security against future quantum attacks. Early cypherpunk Adam Back has noted that quantum computing could make early Bitcoin holdings vulnerable, necessitating their migration. Researchers continue to pursue solutions compatible with existing blockchain protocols, yet significant challenges remain in achieving this without disruptive updates.
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