Authored by Micah Zimmerman via Bitcoin Magazine,
BIP 360, a proposal aimed at preparing Bitcoin for future computing threats, has been updated and merged into the official Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) GitHub repository, marking a new step in efforts to strengthen the network againstemerging cryptographic and quantum computing risks.
The proposalintroduces a new Bitcoin output type called Pay-to-Merkle-Root (P2MR), designed to support quantum-resistant script tree functionalitywhile maintaining compatibility with existing Tapscript infrastructure, according to a note seen byBitcoin Magazine.
Supporters of BIP 360 describe the proposal as an early move towardquantum-hardening Bitcoinat the protocol level.
A merge into the BIP repository does not signal endorsement or future activation. BIPs are merged as part of the open process for documenting or discussing potential upgrades.
BIP 360: Pay to Merkle Rootwas publishedpic.twitter.com/GXkmTHnDoL
Quantum computing has raised concerns across the cryptography and cybersecurity fields because sufficiently advanced machines may be able to break widely used cryptographic systems.
In Bitcoin’s case, the threat centers on the possibility that computers could derive private keys from exposed public keys, which could lead to stolen funds.
While all Bitcoin addresses become vulnerable when spending reveals a public key, some output types carry greater exposure.
Taproot addresses, along with Pay-to-Public-Key (P2PK) outputs and reused addresses, are considered more at risk because public keys are visible on-chain.
Source: ZeroHedge News
