"Project SHRIMPS: A New Step Toward Quantum-Resistant Bitcoin"

Jonas Niek, a Bitcoin researcher at Blockstream, introduced a project called SHRIMPS; it is a post-quantum signature proposal system (post‑quantum) with a multi-device (stateful) design aimed at supporting secure signatures across multiple devices while maintaining relatively small signature sizes.

Niek described SHRIMPS as a hash-based (_hash‑based_) architecture that allows a group of devices, all initialized from the same seed (_seed_), to generate their signatures independently, with each signature typically around 2.5 KB in size.

- Development of a previous work: SHRINCS:
SHRIMPS builds upon a previous effort called SHRINCS, which produces smaller signatures but is limited to use with a single device due to state management constraints. SHRIMPS aims to overcome these limitations by enabling independent signing across multiple devices while maintaining system security within a predefined limit.

The plan is based on an upper bound for the number of devices that can be generated from a single seed, helping to preserve the overall integrity and security of the system.

- How does it work technically?
Technically, it combines two SPHINCS+ states under one public key.
A compressed signing path is used for primary signatures, while a (fallback) path is available to support additional uses, allowing the system to balance efficiency and flexibility.

In typical parameters, SHRIMPS signatures are about 2.5 KB at 128-bit security level, smaller than stateless alternatives like SLH‑DSA, where signatures can reach approximately 7.8 KB.

- Hybrid model with SHRINCS:
The proposal also features a hybrid model with SHRINCS, where the primary device can generate smaller signatures, while backup devices use SHRIMPS to maintain multi-device signing functionality.
This design could be applicable in Bitcoin wallet systems, where keys are often used for a limited number of signatures, and multi-device setups are common.

- Context of long-term quantum challenges:
This study comes amid renewed discussions about quantum computing and its potential impact on long-term cryptographic systems, including Bitcoin.
Although practical quantum attacks are still considered years or even decades away, research into post-quantum signatures continues to explore ways to mitigate theoretical risks and improve resilience in real-world wallet configurations.

Proposals like SHRIMPS reflect ongoing efforts to develop quantum-resistant alternatives, directly addressing the long-term concerns raised in discussions about potential quantum threats to Bitcoin encryption.

- Social context and questions about neutrality:
In a separate context, a recent discussion related to quantum research at Google has garnered attention on social media.
One widely circulated post indicated that one of the authors listed as a “Bitcoin security researcher” is actually affiliated with the Ethereum Foundation, raising questions about the neutrality of results suggesting possible vulnerabilities in Bitcoin encryption.

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