Bitcoin Developers Bet on a 'Wait and React' Strategy Against Quantum Attacks

The Bitcoin community is considering a new approach to address the potential threat of quantum computing: only taking action if an attacker demonstrates their capabilities. However, this plan relies on the assumption that the attacker will prioritize claiming a bounty over exploiting the vulnerability for personal gain. A recent proposal outlines a system where a small amount of bitcoin is placed in a special address, which can only be accessed by a quantum-capable attacker. If the attacker accesses the funds, it will trigger a network-wide freeze on older wallets. This approach is an alternative to a previously proposed fixed five-year timeline for imposing restrictions on vulnerable wallets. The new plan includes a financial incentive, where users can contribute to a bounty that rewards the first entity to demonstrate a quantum attack. The proposal also introduces a 'safety window' to prevent stealth attacks, during which vulnerable coins can still be moved but cannot be spent for an extended period. If the canary is triggered during this window, the coins will be frozen retroactively, increasing the risk for any attacker attempting to quietly extract funds. However, this approach relies on the assumption that the first entity capable of breaking Bitcoin's security will claim the bounty rather than executing a large-scale theft. This assumption goes against the network's design principle of preventing worst-case scenarios, and the community has historically been resistant to reversing such events after they occur.