量子计算对密码学和区块链基础设施构成迫在眉睫的威胁

量子计算对当前的加密系统（包括基于区块链的货币）构成了重大威胁。量子计算机可能会破坏共识算法、伪造签名和破解私钥，从而使现有的区块链安全措施失效。这种迫在眉睫的威胁促使世界经济论坛和中央银行等组织寻求量子证明的解决方案。以太坊网络提出了一个硬分叉来实现量子抗性，但专家警告称，过渡期间可能会出现中断和延迟。

Quantum Computing: An Emerging Threat to Cryptography and Blockchain Infrastructure

量子计算：对密码学和区块链基础设施的新兴威胁

Introduction

介绍

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.

曾经仅限于科幻小说领域的量子计算正在迅速成为一种变革性技术，对包括区块链和加密货币领域在内的各个领域产生深远影响。随着量子计算机稳步发挥其全部潜力，它们对保护这些数字生态系统的现有密码系统构成了重大威胁。

Quantum Computing and the Threat to Cryptography

量子计算和密码学的威胁

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.

量子计算机利用量子力学原理，使其能够比经典计算机以指数速度更快地执行复杂计算。这种计算能力对目前用于保护区块链网络中的数据和交易的加密算法构成了重大挑战，引发了人们对这些系统脆弱性的担忧。

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.

著名计算机科学家、后量子区块链 XX Network 的创始人 David Chaum 强调了量子计算可能对区块链产生的可怕后果。他解释说，量子计算机有可能通过破坏其加密哈希函数（例如 SHA-256）来“蒸发”区块链，SHA-256 是防止未经授权访问加密货币等基于区块链的资产的主要防御手段。

Implications for Blockchain Consensus and Security

对区块链共识和安全的影响

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.

除了破坏区块链网络中使用的加密算法之外，量子计算机还可以操纵管理这些系统的共识协议。通过创建伪造的消息，他们可能会破坏共识过程，导致网络崩溃。此外，量子计算机可以毫不费力地破解私钥，使资金容易被盗，并威胁到区块链安全的基础。

Vitalik Buterin's Proposed Solution for Ethereum

Vitalik Buterin 提出的以太坊解决方案

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.

以太坊网络联合创始人 Vitalik Buterin 提出了一种解决方案来解决区块链面临的量子计算挑战。他的提议涉及实施硬分叉，这是一项重大的软件升级，这将引入一种保护加密资产和钱包的新机制。

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 的解决方案依赖于备份密钥，如果主私钥被泄露，该备份密钥可以用作备用密钥。该备份密钥将允许用户证明其资产的所有权并在发生量子攻击时恢复资金。然而，Buterin 承认，这种解决方案并非没有缺点，可能会导致一些用户损失资金，并对以太坊网络造成严重破坏。

Alternative Approaches and Industry Responses

替代方法和行业反应

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.

虽然 Buterin 的提议为以太坊提供了一条潜在的前进道路，但其他区块链平台正在探索替代方法。例如，Algorand 已经使用 Falcon 签名实现了后量子机制，Falcon 签名是美国国家标准与技术研究院选择用于标准化的算法之一。

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.

金融界的主要组织也注意到了量子计算的威胁。国际清算银行与法国银行和德意志联邦银行合作，启动了 Leap 项目，开发量子证明支付系统。

Preparing for Q-Day

准备 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 的到来是区块链和加密行业迫在眉睫的问题，即量子计算变得足够先进以威胁当代密码系统。世界经济论坛于 2024 年 1 月将量子计算确定为新兴威胁，专家预测 Q-day 最早可能会在 2025 年发生。

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日到来之前，区块链开发者必须优先考虑抗量子措施的开发。这涉及到过渡到不易受到量子计算机计算能力影响的加密算法。此外，行业利益相关者应合作建立标准化协议和最佳实践，以减轻量子威胁。

Potential Market Impact

潜在的市场影响

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.

对主要区块链网络的量子攻击造成的破坏可能会产生重大的市场影响。例如，以太坊运营的突然停止可能会导致该网络的原生加密货币以太币的价值大幅下跌。此外，资金损失和信任侵蚀可能会损害整个区块链行业的声誉。

Conclusion

结论

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.

量子计算正在成为威胁区块链网络安全和加密货币完整性的强大力量。随着技术的不断进步，业界必须采取积极主动的措施来开发抗量子措施并降低潜在风险。如果不这样做，可能会危及基于区块链的系统的未来，并破坏加密经济的信任和稳定性。