Post-quantum cryptography firm BTQ unveils Bitcoin quantum-resistant algorithm solution Bitcoin Quantum

BlockBeats News, January 12, according to Coindesk, quantum-resistant cryptography specialist BTQ Technologies (BTQ) recently unveiled a solution to protect the Bitcoin blockchain, called "Bitcoin Quantum," a permissionless forked testnet that is claimed to be able to address quantum challenges.

Chris Tam, Head of Partnerships at BTQ, stated that Bitcoin Quantum is a publicly operable network where miners, developers, researchers, and users can stress-test quantum-resistant transactions and reveal real-world trade-offs before mainnet upgrade discussions become urgent. The system includes a block explorer and mining pool, providing instant accessibility.

Tam explained that in August 2024, the quantum-resistant algorithm commonly known as "Dilithium" (officially named Module Lattice-based Digital Signature Algorithm, ML-DSA) was standardized in the United States, and this is the technology adopted by the Bitcoin Quantum network. This algorithm has not yet been widely used in fast-innovating fields like cryptocurrencies, mainly due to its high operational costs. Compared to the digital signatures currently used every time information is sent to the blockchain or even when sending a WhatsApp message, the data size of quantum-resistant algorithms is at least 200 times larger. Therefore, although there are ways to address quantum risks, they also bring their own issues, mainly in terms of performance and cost overhead when deployed at scale.