Bitcoin developer proposes quantum landmines to deter coin theft

BeInCrypto reported that Bitcoin Core developer Cory Fields has proposed a scheme called quantum landmines. The proposal was introduced on November 4 on the Bitcoin Development Mailing List, and its aim is to deter theft of coins that are vulnerable to quantum attacks.

Under the design, owners would create hidden proof of ownership in advance. A hacker trying to take such coins would have to post matching collateral of 1 BTC. Both amounts would face a waiting period that could last as long as 30 days. If the owner reveals the proof, the owner can recover the coins and seize the hacker's deposit.

The report identifies a central obstacle. The blockchain cannot distinguish hackers from legitimate owners, so legitimate holders would face the same collateral requirement. BeInCrypto also said dormant Satoshi-era coins complicate the proposal, and that lost private keys would prevent landmine creation.

Alternative auction mechanisms are also described, in which bidders could challenge hackers. One auction version would permanently destroy the vulnerable coins, according to the same report. Both approaches are presented as alternatives to the collateral design.