Bitcoin developer Cory Fields has proposed a conceptual framework to mitigate potential quantum computing threats to the network. His ideas, detailed in a November 4 mailing list post, focus on making unauthorized access to vulnerable wallets financially risky for attackers.
The primary proposal, termed quantum landmines, involves users creating a quantum-safe output before a hypothetical quantum attack occurs. This acts as a hidden proof of ownership. If a thief attempts to move funds using a quantum-recovered key, they would be required to provide collateral equal to the stolen amount.
Under this model, the network would enforce a 30-day challenge period. If the original owner reveals their pre-attack proof, they could claim both their original funds and the attacker's collateral. Fields also outlined auction-based mechanisms, such as staked auctions and sats auctions, intended to discourage theft by making the process costly.
These concepts remain theoretical thought experiments rather than finalized upgrades. Implementing them would require significant changes to Bitcoin consensus rules, including support for collateral, waiting periods, and new transaction types. Fields has not provided a design or implementation schedule.
