量子運算對密碼學和區塊鏈基礎設施構成迫在眉睫的威脅

量子運算對目前的加密系統（包括基於區塊鏈的貨幣）構成了重大威脅。量子電腦可能會破壞共識演算法、偽造簽名和破解私鑰，從而使現有的區塊鏈安全措施失效。這種迫在眉睫的威脅促使世界經濟論壇和中央銀行等組織尋求量子證明的解決方案。以太坊網路提出了一個硬分叉來實現量子抗性，但專家警告稱，過渡期間可能會出現中斷和延遲。

Quantum Computing: An Emerging Threat to Cryptography and Blockchain Infrastructure

量子運算：對密碼學和區塊鏈基礎設施的新興威脅

Introduction

介紹

Quantum computing, once confined to the realm of science fiction, is rapidly materializing as a transformative technology with profound implications for various sectors, including the blockchain and cryptocurrency landscape. As quantum computers steadily approach their full potential, they pose a significant threat to the existing cryptography systems that safeguard these digital ecosystems.

曾經僅限於科幻小說領域的量子運算正在迅速成為一種變革性技術，對包括區塊鏈和加密貨幣領域在內的各個領域產生深遠影響。隨著量子電腦穩步發揮其全部潛力，它們對保護這些數位生態系統的現有密碼系統構成了重大威脅。

Quantum Computing and the Threat to Cryptography

量子運算和密碼學的威脅

Quantum computers harness the principles of quantum mechanics, enabling them to perform complex calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. This computational prowess represents a substantial challenge to the cryptographic algorithms currently employed to protect data and transactions in blockchain networks, raising concerns about the vulnerability of these systems.

量子電腦利用量子力學原理，使其能夠比經典電腦以指數速度更快地執行複雜計算。這種運算能力對目前用於保護區塊鏈網路中的資料和交易的加密演算法構成了重大挑戰，引發了人們對這些系統脆弱性的擔憂。

David Chaum, a renowned computer scientist and founder of the post-quantum resistant blockchain XX Network, emphasizes the dire consequences that quantum computing could have on blockchains. He explains that quantum computers have the potential to "vaporize" a blockchain by compromising its cryptographic hash function, such as SHA-256, which serves as the primary defense against unauthorized access to blockchain-based assets like cryptocurrencies.

著名電腦科學家、後量子區塊鏈 XX Network 的創始人 David Chaum 強調了量子運算可能對區塊鏈的可怕後果。他解釋說，量子電腦有可能透過破壞其加密雜湊函數（例如SHA-256）來「蒸發」區塊鏈，SHA-256 是防止未經授權存取加密貨幣等基於區塊鏈的資產的主要防禦手段。

Implications for Blockchain Consensus and Security

對區塊鏈共識和安全的影響

In addition to compromising the cryptographic algorithms used in blockchain networks, quantum computers could also manipulate the consensus protocols that govern these systems. By creating counterfeit messages, they could potentially disrupt the consensus process, leading to the breakdown of the network. Furthermore, quantum computers could effortlessly crack private keys, making funds vulnerable to theft and threatening the very foundation of blockchain security.

除了破壞區塊鏈網路中使用的加密演算法之外，量子電腦還可以操縱管理這些系統的共識協議。透過創建偽造的訊息，他們可能會破壞共識過程，導致網路崩潰。此外，量子電腦可以毫不費力地破解私鑰，使資金容易被盜，並威脅區塊鏈安全的基礎。

Vitalik Buterin's Proposed Solution for Ethereum

Vitalik Buterin 提出的以太坊解決方案

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of the Ethereum network, has proposed a solution to address the quantum computing challenge facing blockchains. His proposal involves implementing a hard fork, a substantial software upgrade, that would introduce a new mechanism for safeguarding crypto assets and wallets.

以太坊網路聯合創始人 Vitalik Buterin 提出了一個解決方案來解決區塊鏈面臨的量子運算挑戰。他的提議涉及實施硬分叉，這是一項重大的軟體升級，這將引入一種保護加密資產和錢包的新機制。

Buterin's solution relies on a backup key that can be used as a fallback if the primary private key is compromised. This backup key would allow users to prove ownership of their assets and recover funds in the event of a quantum attack. However, Buterin acknowledges that this solution is not without its drawbacks, potentially leading to the loss of funds for some users and a significant disruption to the Ethereum network.

Buterin 的解決方案依賴備份金鑰，如果主私鑰洩露，備份金鑰可以用作備用金鑰。此備份金鑰將允許用戶證明其資產的所有權並在發生量子攻擊時恢復資金。然而，Buterin 承認，這種解決方案並非沒有缺點，可能會導致一些用戶損失資金，並對以太坊網路造成嚴重破壞。

Alternative Approaches and Industry Responses

替代方法和行業反應

While Buterin's proposal offers a potential path forward for Ethereum, other blockchain platforms are exploring alternative approaches. Algorand, for instance, has already implemented a post-quantum mechanism using Falcon signatures, one of the algorithms selected by the National Institute of Standards and Technology for standardization.

雖然 Buterin 的提案為以太坊提供了一條潛在的前進道路，但其他區塊鏈平台正在探索替代方法。例如，Algorand 已經使用 Falcon 簽章實現了後量子機制，Falcon 簽章是美國國家標準與技術研究院選擇用於標準化的演算法之一。

Major organizations in the finance world are also taking notice of the quantum computing threat. The Bank for International Settlements, in collaboration with the Bank of France and Deutsche Bundesbank, has initiated Project Leap to develop quantum-proof payment systems.

金融界的主要組織也注意到了量子運算的威脅。國際清算銀行與法國銀行和德意志聯邦銀行合作，啟動了 Leap 項目，開發量子證明支付系統。

Preparing for Q-Day

準備 Q 日

The arrival of Q-day, the point at which quantum computing becomes sufficiently advanced to threaten contemporary cryptography systems, is an imminent concern for the blockchain and crypto industry. The World Economic Forum identified quantum computing as an emerging threat in January 2024, and experts predict that Q-day could occur as early as 2025.

Q-day 的到來是區塊鏈和加密產業迫在眉睫的問題，即量子運算變得足夠先進以威脅當代密碼系統。世界經濟論壇於 2024 年 1 月將量子運算確定為新興威脅，專家預測 Q-day 最早可能在 2025 年發生。

In anticipation of Q-day, it is imperative for blockchain developers to prioritize the development of quantum-resistant measures. This involves transitioning to cryptographic algorithms that are not susceptible to the computational power of quantum computers. Additionally, industry stakeholders should collaborate to establish standardized protocols and best practices for mitigating quantum threats.

在Q日到來之前，區塊鏈開發者必須優先考慮抗量子措施的開發。這涉及到過渡到不易受到量子電腦運算能力影響的加密演算法。此外，產業利害關係人應合作建立標準化協議和最佳實踐，以減輕量子威脅。

Potential Market Impact

潛在的市場影響

The disruption caused by a quantum attack on major blockchain networks could have significant market implications. A sudden halt in Ethereum's operations, for example, could lead to a substantial drop in the value of Ether, the network's native cryptocurrency. Furthermore, the loss of funds and the erosion of trust could damage the reputation of the blockchain industry as a whole.

對主要區塊鏈網路的量子攻擊造成的破壞可能會產生重大的市場影響。例如，以太坊營運的突然停止可能會導致該網路的原生加密貨幣以太幣的價值大幅下跌。此外，資金損失和信任侵蝕可能會損害整個區塊鏈產業的聲譽。

Conclusion

結論

Quantum computing is emerging as a formidable force that threatens the security of blockchain networks and the integrity of cryptocurrencies. As the technology continues to advance, it is imperative for the industry to take proactive steps to develop quantum-resistant measures and mitigate the potential risks. Failure to do so could jeopardize the future of blockchain-based systems and undermine the trust and stability of the crypto economy.

量子運算正在成為威脅區塊鏈網路安全和加密貨幣完整性的強大力量。隨著技術的不斷進步，業界必須採取積極主動的措施來開發抗量子措施並降低潛在風險。如果不這樣做，可能會危及基於區塊鏈的系統的未來，並破壞加密經濟的信任和穩定性。