Bitcoin Quantum-Resistant Measures: BIP-360 Draft and SHRINCS Research Proposed

Bitcoin (BTC) has seen proposals for quantum-resistant measures, focusing on reducing long-term public key exposure and introducing SHA-256-based signature systems. Both technologies remain in draft or research stages before network implementation.

Ublockchain introduced the BIP-360 proposal and SHRINCS research on May 15 at 9:59 a.m. KST, outlining strategies for asset transfer and recovery before and after quantum computer emergence. BIP-360 proposes P2MR (Pay-to-Merkle-Root), a new Bitcoin output format similar to P2TR but removing internal keys and key path spending to reduce long-term public key exposure risks. The official document states that P2MR provides a foundation for future quantum-resistant signatures, though it does not fully prevent all quantum attacks.

Quantum attacks occur either after long-term public key exposure on the blockchain or during short windows before transactions are confirmed. BIP-360 addresses long-term exposure risks, while additional quantum-resistant signature systems are needed for short-term threats. SHRINCS targets this gap with a hash-based signing method relying on SHA-256's preimage resistance, as noted by Blockstream in their security materials.

Blockstream's documentation states that SHRINCS uses a 324-byte stateful signature design and includes an independent static backup for fund recovery if the state is lost. However, implementation on mainnet requires additional verification code and consensus rule review. Stateful signatures require managing internal states during signing; losing or misusing this state could hinder secure key management, necessitating comprehensive review of asset transfers, wallet operations, and recovery procedures.

BIP-360's focus is not immediate adoption of quantum-resistant signatures but a stepwise approach: first reducing public key exposure through output structure changes, then connecting separate signature technologies to transactions and wallets. This aligns with previous discussions on Bitcoin's quantum resistance draft and signature size issues, where varying parameters and versions led to unclear comparison standards and implementation challenges for wallets and consensus updates.

Currently, BIP-360 remains in 'Draft' status on the BIP list, meaning its registration does not indicate network adoption or consensus. SHRINCS also lacks formal security proofs and independent review. Blockstream proposes further BIP proposals and specification development for hash-based quantum-resistant signature validation as the next step.

The timeline for quantum computers posing a real threat to Bitcoin security remains uncertain. Asset transitions involve intertwined elements of address structures, signing methods, wallet recovery, and network consensus, making single-technology shifts insufficient. For domestic investors, this discussion centers more on wallet and network security transition challenges than price impacts. The confirmed development is the proposal of BIP-360 and SHRINCS as technical pathways, with network adoption, security validation, and user migration procedures still pending.