The recent hot topic in the cryptocurrency world is that, due to advancements in quantum physics, quantum computing may pose a threat to Bitcoin's cryptographic algorithms in the future. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has recently proposed standardizing the block and key lengths used in the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to 256 bits in order to counteract the rapidly escalating risks. (Background: Bitcoin's father Adam Back: Quantum computing won't threaten BTC for several decades; creating a quantum-resistant network isn't difficult) (Supplementary background: Physics experts: Give quantum computers another five years, and they could crack Bitcoin private keys. Upgrading BTC would require a complete shutdown?) Google’s newly developed next-generation chip, Willow, has recently attracted widespread attention because the company claims that the chip has successfully overcome key challenges in quantum computing, enabling it to perform calculations with 105 qubits, solving problems that would traditionally take conventional computers a billion years in just five minutes. Earlier reports from Dong District indicated that Pierre-Luc Dallaire-Demers, a physicist at the University of Calgary in Canada, warned that we are about five years away from quantum computers being able to crack Bitcoin wallets; a study from the University of Kent in the UK also showed that if Bitcoin wants to effectively protect itself against threats from quantum computing, protocol updates are necessary, which would require the Bitcoin network to completely shut down for 76 days. Due to the early Bitcoin network using Pay-to-Public-Key (P2PK) format addresses, discussions have recently sparked in the community regarding whether to freeze Satoshi Nakamoto's wallet. Extended reading: Could Satoshi Nakamoto's 1 million Bitcoins be cracked? Google releases quantum chip Willow, and the community debates freezing wallets. NIST proposes standardizing AES to 256 bits, releasing post-quantum cryptography standards. To address possible threats, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has recently proposed standardizing the block and key lengths used in the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to 256 bits. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) was published by NIST in 2021 to replace the original Data Encryption Standard (DES), originating from the Rijndael encryption method, with a fixed block length of 128 bits and key lengths set at 128, 192, or 256 bits (longer key lengths are generally harder to crack). NIST announced on the 24th that it has proposed standardizing another variant of Rijndael for approval: Rijndael with a 256-bit block (i.e., Rijndael-256), and only a single key length of 256 bits. NIST plans to draw up the Rijndael-256 standard draft next year and solicit public opinions on the plan before June 25, 2025. According to NIST, there is a need to increase block sizes due to the growing number of applications that require handling large amounts of data and the increasing demand for these data-intensive applications. To address the rapidly escalating quantum threat, NIST officially released the first set of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards in August, which includes three new encryption algorithms claimed to be able to resist attacks from quantum computers, providing concrete guidance for governments and businesses to cope with quantum threats. Note: AES is the most popular standard for symmetric key encryption (only one key). Bitcoin does not use the traditional RSA encryption algorithm (asymmetric encryption), but rather uses the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) to create public and private keys, utilizing double SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256 bits) to enhance security. Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, pointed out in a blog post on October 29 that he believes that quantum computers that pose significant risks will take several decades to emerge. However, Ethereum will study more advanced cryptography in the roadmap's Splurge stage to enable the network to resist quantum computers that may potentially crack elliptic curve cryptography. Blockchain security expert and Slow Mist founder Yuxian also pointed out this month that the current quantum computing power is still millions of gates away from cracking Bitcoin private keys, and there is no need to worry about Satoshi's private key for several decades. Extended reading: Could Bitcoin wallets be “brute-forced” by Google's quantum chip? Yuxian: Let's worry about Satoshi's private key in a few decades. Adam Back: Building a quantum-resistant network isn't difficult. Recently, Adam Back, a legendary figure in Bitcoin and the founder and CEO of Blockstream, emphasized that it is not possible to increase the number of qubits by connecting numerous Willow chips with 105 qubits, countering claims made by well-known venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya that about 8000 Willow chips could crack Bitcoin's SHA-256 algorithm. Adam Back predicts: Humanity is unlikely to achieve a computer with a million qubits in this decade, or even in the next. Adam Back believes that quantum computing may actually enhance Bitcoin's security, as it will drive developers to create a quantum-resistant network, utilizing upgrades like Taproot and implementing post-quantum cryptography techniques without needing to completely overhaul the Bitcoin blockchain. Next, Bitcoin will shift towards the newer Schnorr signatures (a more efficient and secure method for blockchain digital signatures), which can further enhance the defensive capabilities of the Bitcoin protocol. Adam Back emphasizes that the threat from quantum computing is still several decades away from becoming a reality, and quantum-resistant signature technology will also introduce more compact and mature solutions in the future. Meanwhile, through existing Schnorr signatures or future quantum-resistant signature solutions, Bitcoin users can securely migrate funds without increasing current transaction costs. He stresses that such mechanisms will help the Bitcoin community prepare in advance while maintaining on-chain efficiency. Related reports: Could Bitcoin wallets be “brute-forced” by Google's quantum chip? Yuxian: Let's worry about Satoshi's private key in a few decades. Could Bitcoin be cracked within two years? The SPAC King warns that the “Google quantum chip” could obliterate SHA-256; Adam Back calls it nonsense. Vitalik predicts the “disappearance of crypto wallets”: Quantum computing will ultimately crack external accounts (EOA). BTQ Research) Blockchain security in the post-quantum era (Part 2): Stronger encryption? A discussion on NIST's post-quantum cryptography standards to address quantum threats. The U.S. Institute of Technology recommends expanding AES block and key sizes to 256 bits. This article was first published in Dong District BlockTempo (Dong District Trends - the most influential blockchain news media).

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