Bitcoin Developers Propose 'Wait and React' Plan to Counter Quantum Threat

The Bitcoin community is considering a novel approach to addressing the potential threat of quantum computing to the network's security. Rather than implementing a pre-emptive freeze on vulnerable coins, the proposed 'wait and react' strategy would only take action if a quantum-capable attacker demonstrates their capabilities. This approach is based on a 'canary' system, where a small amount of bitcoin is placed in a special address that can only be unlocked by a quantum attacker, triggering a network-wide freeze of older wallets if accessed. The proposal is designed to provide a more flexible and adaptive response to the quantum threat, while also introducing a financial incentive for potential attackers to reveal their capabilities rather than exploiting them for personal gain. However, this strategy relies on the assumption that the first entity to demonstrate quantum capabilities will claim the bounty rather than attempting a large-scale theft, which may not be a guaranteed outcome.