比特幣面臨量子運算威脅，可能需要300天的停機時間來準備

最近的一項研究引起了人們對比特幣抵禦量子計算潛在威脅的能力的嚴重擔憂，研究表明，這種加密貨幣可能需要 300 多天的停機時間才能為「量子時代」做好充分準備。

A recent study has raised significant concerns about Bitcoin’s ability to withstand the potential threats posed by quantum computing, revealing that the cryptocurrency could require over 300 days of downtime to adequately prepare for the “quantum era.” This research comes at a time when advances in quantum computing, particularly Google’s development of its new ‘Willow’ quantum chip, are accelerating, causing growing concern within the cryptocurrency and cybersecurity communities.

最近的一項研究引起了人們對比特幣抵禦量子計算潛在威脅的能力的嚴重擔憂，研究表明，這種加密貨幣可能需要 300 多天的停機時間才能為「量子時代」做好充分準備。這項研究正值量子運算的進步，特別是谷歌新的「Willow」量子晶片的開發加速之際，引起了加密貨幣和網路安全社群越來越多的關注。

The Rise of Quantum Computing and Its Impact on Cryptography

量子計算的興起及其對密碼學的影響

The rapid development of quantum computing has sparked widespread discussions about its potential to revolutionize various industries, including technology, medicine, and finance. While quantum computers hold promise for solving complex problems at speeds far beyond the capabilities of classical computers, they also pose a significant threat to the cryptographic security mechanisms that underpin blockchain networks like Bitcoin.

量子運算的快速發展引發了人們對其徹底改變科技、醫藥和金融等各行業潛力的廣泛討論。雖然量子電腦有望以遠遠超出經典電腦能力的速度解決複雜問題，但它們也對支撐比特幣等區塊鏈網路的加密安全機制構成重大威脅。

Bitcoin, the world’s largest and most established cryptocurrency, relies on cryptographic algorithms such as elliptic curve digital signature algorithm (ECDSA) to secure transactions and safeguard the integrity of the blockchain. However, quantum computers are theoretically capable of breaking these cryptographic systems by quickly solving mathematical problems that would take classical computers thousands of years to crack. This could enable malicious actors to forge transactions, steal funds, and compromise the security of the entire Bitcoin network.

比特幣是世界上最大、最成熟的加密貨幣，依靠橢圓曲線數位簽章演算法（ECDSA）等加密演算法來確保交易安全並維護區塊鏈的完整性。然而，理論上，量子電腦能夠透過快速解決經典電腦需要數千年才能破解的數學問題來破解這些密碼系統。這可能使惡意行為者能夠偽造交易、竊取資金並危及整個比特幣網路的安全。

The Study: Bitcoin May Need 300 Days of Downtime for Quantum Preparation

研究：比特幣可能需要 300 天的停機時間來進行量子準備

The study, conducted by a team of researchers, highlights the substantial challenge Bitcoin faces in preparing for the quantum threat. According to the research, Bitcoin’s blockchain would need to undergo extensive modifications to incorporate quantum-resistant cryptography. This process, which involves updating the cryptographic protocols and ensuring that all users adopt the new security measures, could take an estimated 300 days of network downtime.

這項研究由一組研究人員進行，強調了比特幣在應對量子威脅方面面臨的重大挑戰。根據這項研究，比特幣的區塊鏈需要進行廣泛的修改，以納入抗量子密碼。此過程涉及更新加密協議並確保所有用戶採用新的安全措施，預計可能需要 300 天的網路停機時間。

During this period, Bitcoin users would not be able to conduct transactions or access their funds. This prolonged downtime is required to ensure that the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography is seamless and secure, without leaving the network vulnerable to attacks. The study emphasizes that such a lengthy disruption could have severe consequences for the adoption and stability of Bitcoin, as users and investors may lose confidence in the network’s security and functionality.

在此期間，比特幣用戶將無法進行交易或存取其資金。需要延長停機時間才能確保無縫且安全地過渡到抗量子密碼學，而不會讓網路容易受到攻擊。該研究強調，如此長時間的中斷可能會對比特幣的採用和穩定性產生嚴重後果，因為用戶和投資者可能會對網路的安全性和功能失去信心。

Google’s ‘Willow’ Chip and the Urgency of Preparing for Quantum Computers

谷歌的“Willow”晶片和準備量子計算機的緊迫性

The urgency of this issue is further highlighted by recent developments in quantum computing. Google’s unveiling of its ‘Willow’ quantum chip, which is expected to surpass previous models in terms of performance, has intensified concerns that quantum computers could soon be capable of cracking existing cryptographic systems.

量子計算的最新發展進一步凸顯了這個問題的迫切性。 Google推出的「Willow」量子晶片預計在性能方面將超越先前的型號，這加劇了人們對量子電腦可能很快就能破解現有加密系統的擔憂。

Willow’s advancements in quantum processing power bring the threat of quantum decryption closer to reality, accelerating the need for Bitcoin and other blockchain networks to prepare for this potential shift in computing capabilities. Experts have warned that Bitcoin must adopt quantum-resistant cryptography before quantum computers become powerful enough to break its security protocols. The study underscores the critical need for the Bitcoin community to begin implementing quantum-resistant technologies well ahead of time, in order to avoid catastrophic security breaches that could undermine the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Willow 在量子處理能力方面的進步使量子解密的威脅更接近現實，加速了比特幣和其他區塊鏈網路為運算能力的潛在轉變做好準備的需求。專家警告說，在量子電腦變得強大到足以破壞其安全協議之前，比特幣必須採用抗量子密碼學。研究強調，比特幣社群迫切需要提前開始實施抗量子技術，以避免可能破壞整個加密貨幣生態系統的災難性安全漏洞。

Potential Solutions and the Path Forward

潛在的解決方案和前進的道路

In response to these challenges, several solutions have been proposed to future-proof Bitcoin against quantum attacks. One of the most promising approaches is the implementation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC), which refers to cryptographic algorithms that are believed to be resistant to attacks from quantum computers. The integration of PQC into Bitcoin’s blockchain could safeguard the network from quantum threats while ensuring that transactions remain secure and verifiable.

為了應對這些挑戰，人們提出了幾種解決方案，使比特幣能夠抵禦未來的量子攻擊。最有前途的方法之一是實施後量子密碼學（PQC），它指的是被認為可以抵抗量子電腦攻擊的密碼演算法。將 PQC 整合到比特幣區塊鏈中可以保護網路免受量子威脅，同時確保交易保持安全和可驗證。

However, transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography is not a simple task. It would require widespread consensus and coordination within the Bitcoin community, as well as significant technical upgrades to the blockchain infrastructure. Developers are already working on quantum-resistant protocols, but the road to full implementation is complex and fraught with challenges.

然而，過渡到抗量子密碼學並不是一件簡單的任務。這需要比特幣社群內的廣泛共識和協調，以及對區塊鏈基礎設施的重大技術升級。開發人員已經在研究抗量子協議，但全面實施的道路是複雜且充滿挑戰的。

The study’s findings serve as a wake-up call for the Bitcoin community and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. As quantum computing continues to advance, the clock is ticking for Bitcoin and other blockchain networks to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography. While the prospect of over 300 days of downtime is daunting, it highlights the importance of taking proactive steps now to prepare for the quantum era.

該研究的結果為比特幣社群和更廣泛的加密貨幣生態系統敲響了警鐘。隨著量子運算的不斷發展，比特幣和其他區塊鏈網路採用抗量子密碼技術的時機已經臨近。雖然 300 多天的停機時間令人望而生畏，但這凸顯了現在採取積極措施為量子時代做好準備的重要性。

The development of Google’s Willow chip only reinforces the urgency of this issue, as quantum computers are expected to become more powerful in the coming years. By investing in quantum-resistant technologies and collaborating on solutions, the cryptocurrency community can ensure that Bitcoin remains secure and viable in the face of the coming quantum revolution. In the end, the success of Bitcoin’s transition to the quantum era will depend on timely and decisive action by its developers, users, and the broader blockchain ecosystem.

Google Willow 晶片的開發只會加劇這個問題的緊迫性，因為量子電腦預計將在未來幾年變得更加強大。透過投資抗量子技術並合作開發解決方案，加密貨幣社群可以確保比特幣在即將到來的量子革命面前保持安全和可行。最終，比特幣向量子時代過渡的成功將取決於其開發者、用戶和更廣泛的區塊鏈生態系統及時且果斷的行動。