Bitcoin’s quantum-safe protection gets 82% cheaper as researchers race to secure 6 million exposed BTC
Researchers reduced the estimated computing cost of preparing a specialized quantum-safe Bitcoin transaction from about $320 in August to $59 by Oct. 13, using improved GPU software. The estimate is based on simulated workloads, excludes Bitcoin network fees and has not yet been demonstrated in a production transaction. Quantum-Safe Bitcoin uses hash-based cryptography and off-chain computation to protect eligible holdings without a protocol change, but it does not protect coins whose public keys are already exposed. Its transactions also require direct submission to miners because ordinary relay policies reject them. Developers are seeking costs below $10 and view the method as a possible interim safeguard, while continuing to support a broader Bitcoin protocol upgrade.
