Key Highlights
- Samson Mow cautioned against rushing Bitcoin’s transition to post-quantum (PQ) signatures.
- He argued that adopting PQ cryptography too early could expose Bitcoin to classical computing attacks.
- Mow said Bitcoin should only migrate once quantum computers pose a clear, practical threat.
Bitcoin advocate and JAN3 CEO Samson Mow has urged developers to take a cautious approach to post-quantum cryptography. He warned that moving away from Bitcoin’s current signature schemes too early could create new security risks long before quantum computers become a reality.
In an X post on Wednesday, Mow said the industry should avoid making premature protocol changes solely out of concern for future quantum threats. Instead, he argued Bitcoin’s development philosophy should remain conservative, prioritizing proven security over theoretical risks.
Why Mow opposes an early post-quantum switch
Mow said replacing Bitcoin’s existing ECDSA and Schnorr signature algorithms with post-quantum alternatives before they are fully battle-tested could weaken the network rather than strengthen it. According to him, newer cryptographic systems may still be vulnerable to attacks using today’s classical computers.
He wrote, “Hastily changing from ECDSA/Schnorr to PQ signatures may make Bitcoin vulnerable to classical computing attacks today.” He added that such a move could result in Bitcoin becoming resistant to quantum computers while simultaneously becoming easier to compromise using existing computing methods.
Why AI is changing cryptography research
Mow’s comments came shortly after Anthropic published research showing that its experimental Claude Mythos Preview AI model helped identify improved cryptanalytic attacks against two cryptographic algorithms: HAWK, a lattice-based post-quantum signature scheme, and a reduced-round variant of the AES encryption standard.
While Anthropic said the findings do not affect production systems, Bitcoin’s cryptography, or the full AES standard, the research demonstrated how advanced AI models can assist researchers in discovering mathematical weaknesses within emerging cryptographic designs.
Referencing the study, Mow argued that developers must now consider AI as another variable when evaluating future post-quantum algorithms. He wrote, “Now we have to worry about AI finding them too.”
Wait until Quantum computers become a real threat
Rather than rushing toward post-quantum signatures, Mow argued Bitcoin should only make the transition once quantum computing demonstrates a practical ability to threaten existing cryptography.
He said Bitcoin’s strength has historically come from careful, incremental development rather than rapid protocol changes.
Mow praises Blockstream’s hash-based research
Mow also highlighted ongoing research by Blockstream developer Nick Lerner, praising the company’s work on hash-based signature schemes such as SHRINCS and SHRIMPS.
According to Mow, these designs have a smaller mathematical attack surface than some lattice-based approaches currently being explored for post-quantum cryptography, including HAWK. SHRINCS has already been deployed on Liquid Network through Blockstream’s Simplicity smart contract environment, though it is not currently used by Bitcoin itself.
Industry push toward Quantum readiness continues
While Mow advocates waiting until quantum computing presents a measurable risk, other blockchain projects have begun actively preparing for a post-quantum future.
Earlier this month, Algorand called for the blockchain industry to develop shared quantum-resistant wallet standards, arguing that networks should collaborate on interoperable security frameworks rather than building isolated post-quantum solutions independently.
Algorand said common standards would improve long-term security while reducing fragmentation across blockchain ecosystems as quantum computing evolves.
Debate over Bitcoin’s quantum transition continues
Mow’s comments add to the ongoing debate over how Bitcoin should prepare for the eventual arrival of practical quantum computing.
While some developers advocate introducing quantum-resistant cryptography well in advance, others argue that making major protocol changes too early could introduce greater risks than the threat they are intended to solve.
The discussion has gained renewed attention as advances in artificial intelligence and cryptographic research continue reshaping assumptions about long-term digital security.
For now, Mow believes Bitcoin’s best defense remains the philosophy that has guided the network since its creation: adopt changes only after they have been thoroughly tested and only when the need becomes unavoidable.
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