Bitcoin Developer Proposes Quantum Landmines Defense to Deter Address Exploitation

Bitcoin Core developer Cory Fields has proposed a mechanism called quantum landmines to economically deter potential quantum computer attacks on legacy Bitcoin addresses. Under the game-theoretic framework, parties attempting to transfer vulnerable bitcoin must post matching 1:1 collateral from a quantum-safe address into a 30-day waiting period. Original owners who secretly established quantum-safe proofs can reveal them during this window to reclaim their coins and confiscate the attacker's collateral. The proposal aims to protect roughly 7.1 million BTC, or about 35% of circulating supply, stored in wallets with exposed public keys.