Developed by StarkWare researcher Avihu Levy, the “Quantum Safe Bitcoin” (QSB) approach aims to secure Bitcoin transactions against future quantum computer threats. One of its most notable features is that it operates without requiring any network upgrade or community consensus, allowing users to adopt quantum protection under current system rules.
Instead of relying on traditional digital signatures, QSB uses hash-based proofs to secure transactions. This approach makes it extremely difficult to replicate or break transaction data, even with advanced computational power. However, this added security shifts the burden from network consensus to intensive computational processes, fundamentally changing how transactions are validated.
The main drawback of this system is its cost. While standard Bitcoin transactions remain relatively cheap, QSB transactions can range between $75 and $200. Additionally, these transactions are not compatible with Lightning Network and must be sent directly to miners. As a result, QSB is positioned not as a permanent solution but as an emergency safeguard in case quantum threats become imminent.
