New Proposal for Quantum-Secure Bitcoin: SHRINCS
A new signature scheme has been proposed to protect Bitcoin against quantum computer threats.
1Quantum Threat and Bitcoin
With the advancement of quantum computers, Bitcoin's security is at risk. Advanced quantum computers could break Bitcoin's encryption system and steal private keys. This threatens billions of dollars worth of Bitcoin. Although Blockstream CEO Adam Back believes this threat is decades away, the company is working on quantum-resistant solutions.
2What is SHRINCS?
SHRINCS is a post-quantum secure signature scheme developed by Blockstream. Unlike Bitcoin's current signature systems, it is designed to resist quantum computers. SHRINCS has been successfully tested on Bitcoin's Liquid sidechain, and a proposal has now been published to integrate it into the Bitcoin mainnet.
3Difference from NIST-Approved Solutions
NIST-approved post-quantum signature schemes are 38-123 times larger than Bitcoin's current signatures. This could slow down the Bitcoin network. SHRINCS is designed to solve this size issue, aiming to be 13.23 times smaller than NIST solutions. This would allow the Bitcoin network to maintain performance while achieving quantum security.
4Size and Performance
SHRINCS signatures are approximately 9 times larger than Bitcoin's current Schnorr signatures. However, thanks to Segregated Witness (SegWit), this size increase does not directly affect block size. Estimates suggest that with SHRINCS, the Bitcoin network could process 3 transactions per second, which is close to its current performance.
5Security and Risks
SHRINCS is not yet a fully cryptographically validated system. The security proof is incomplete, and it has not undergone sufficient public cryptanalysis. Additionally, SHRINCS is a 'stateful' system, requiring users to store used keys on their devices. This adds an extra burden to key management.
6Alternative Solutions
The Ethereum team plans to use zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to counter quantum threats. This method is also being considered for Bitcoin, but it requires significant changes and may face resistance in the Bitcoin community. SHRINCS offers a more compatible solution with Bitcoin's existing infrastructure.
7Test Results on Liquid
SHRINCS was tested on Blockstream's Liquid sidechain in March 2026. During the tests, even a copy of the Bitcoin whitepaper was signed. These tests demonstrated that SHRINCS works in practice. However, more security analysis is needed before it can be deployed on the mainnet.
8Bitcoin's Future
The quantum computer threat poses a serious long-term risk to Bitcoin's security. SHRINCS is a promising step to mitigate this risk, but it is still in an early stage and needs acceptance from the Bitcoin community. Achieving quantum security while preserving Bitcoin's decentralized and efficient nature requires a critical balance.
Original article: Cointelegraph.com News — Kuantum Güvenli Bitcoin için Yeni Öneri: SHRINCS