Ben Sigman Integrates Post-Quantum Algorithms into Bitcoin Wallet

On June 26, 2025, Ben Sigman forked BlueWallet and integrated post-quantum algorithms to test Bitcoin’s future defenses against quantum-powered attacks. The modified UI includes options to examine resistant signature and address data, such as “View Quantum Proofs” and “View Post-Quantum Address.” Sigman’s experiment generated a real address from a standard seed phrase, using a “bc1s” prefix and an incompatible signature type, making it unable to process real Bitcoin transactions yet. This proof of concept aims to show that users and developers can explore how quantum-resistant signatures might work in practice.

Sigman’s work is based on the integration of SHAKE-127 and SPHINCS+, two schemes from NIST’s 2024 draft, into the wallet’s code. These methods aim to resist quantum-powered attacks such as Shor’s algorithm, which could break today’s elliptic-curve signatures. Post-quantum cryptography replaces current digital signatures with new methods resistant to quantum computers, ensuring that funds remain secure even if a future device cracks today’s private keys.

In December, Sigman argued for Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 360 to prepare the network for quantum threats. This proposal would standardize how Bitcoin handles quantum-safe addresses and signatures, requiring protocol updates and consensus across node operators and developers. The forked BlueWallet does not yet support on-chain use, as signatures and address formats must align with Bitcoin’s rules before any transaction can clear. However, the code offers a clear path for developers to test and refine quantum-safe tools.

Solving these challenges requires both protocol updates and community consensus. Sigman’s work shows that the code base can adapt, given time and coordination. Wallet developers and node operators will need to agree on new address rules and signature checks. The introduction of a quantum-safe wallet has sparked a significant debate among institutional investors regarding the security of Bitcoin (BTC) in the face of advancing quantum computing technology. This wallet, designed to withstand the computational power of quantum computers, has raised questions about the long-term security of BTC and other cryptocurrencies that rely on traditional cryptographic methods.

The debate centers around the possibility that quantum computers, with their exponentially greater processing power, could potentially break the cryptographic algorithms that underpin BTC's security. This has led to a divide among institutional investors, with some advocating for the immediate adoption of quantum-resistant technologies, while others remain skeptical about the urgency and feasibility of such a transition. Proponents of quantum-safe wallets argue that the threat posed by quantum computing is real and imminent, pointing to the rapid advancements in quantum technology and the potential for large-scale quantum computers to be developed within the next decade. These investors believe that preemptive measures are necessary to protect their investments and ensure the long-term viability of BTC as a store of value.

On the other hand, skeptics question the practicality and cost-effectiveness of transitioning to quantum-safe technologies. They argue that the current cryptographic methods used by BTC are robust enough to withstand attacks from classical computers and that the development of large-scale quantum computers is still a distant prospect. These investors are wary of the potential disruption and financial burden that a sudden shift to quantum-resistant technologies could entail. The introduction of the quantum-safe wallet has also highlighted the broader issue of regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency space. As institutional investors grapple with the security implications of quantum computing, there is a growing call for clearer guidelines and standards from regulatory bodies. This would help ensure that the cryptocurrency market remains secure and stable in the face of emerging technological threats.

The debate surrounding the quantum-safe wallet and the security of BTC underscores the evolving nature of the cryptocurrency landscape. As technology continues to advance, institutional investors must remain vigilant and adaptable, ready to embrace new solutions that enhance the security and reliability of their investments. The introduction of quantum-safe wallets represents a significant step in this direction, and its impact on the future of BTC and other cryptocurrencies remains to be seen.