Coinbase (@coinbase) has outlined its priorities for Bitcoin's ($BTC) post-quantum migration, warning that preparations could take years and should start well before a powerful quantum comput
Coinbase (@coinbase) has outlined its priorities for Bitcoin's ($BTC) post-quantum migration, warning that preparations could take years and should start well before a powerful quantum computer emerges.
The exchange said preparation should begin well ahead of any cryptographically relevant quantum computer announcement, because consensus changes and ecosystem migrations can take years.Coinbase holds 5% of the total bitcoin supply and said it is preparing its own systems for a post-quantum future, according to The Block.
A central point in Coinbase's recommendations is flexibility. The company said post-quantum output designs should separate the "container" from the signature scheme, allowing systems to be introduced, replaced, or supplemented without a complete redesign.It pointed to P2MR (BIP-360) and P2TRv2 as constructions that appear to offer this flexibility.
Coinbase also favors staged protection, in which active wallets could use a post-quantum-capable or hybrid construction before any final policy on legacy signatures is settled.One option it described was a 1-of-2 construction giving the same funds two alternative spending paths, one authorized by a classical ECDSA or Schnorr key and one by a post-quantum key.
On signature types, the company said any support for stateful signatures should also include a stateless option, as stateful designs carry risks from state mismanagement that could lead to forgery.
Coinbase stressed that the challenge goes beyond picking a quantum-resistant algorithm. In a blog post dated October 13, it said a comprehensive strategy should protect exposed and newly created funds, fit within Bitcoin's limited block space, and preserve independent validation by full nodes. The same strategy should also accommodate institutional custody, support ordinary wallets and provide a path for coins that cannot or will not move, the post said.
On abandoned or inaccessible coins, Coinbase said the questions are difficult and deserve debate, but that the debate can proceed in parallel with technical work to add post-quantum signature support.
The proposals are not a final decision. Coinbase emphasized that its recommendations are contributions to an ongoing development process, not a final decision on Bitcoin's future security design. Separately, Bitcoin developers have not selected or activated a post-quantum signature standard, according to crypto.news.
The publication follows earlier work in this area. In January, Coinbase established an independent quantum computing and blockchain advisory board.
The Block: Coinbase lays out flexible designs as key priority for Bitcoin's post-quantum migration
The Crypto Times: Coinbase Outlines Bitcoin Security Priorities for Post-Quantum Era
The Quantum Insider: Coinbase Urges Early Work on Bitcoin's Post-Quantum Transition
