Post-quantum blockchain pioneer challenges the world to break core internet cryptography, ECDSA – before quantum computers do
Naoris Protocol, the post-quantum infrastructure pioneer, today announced a $120,000 (1BTC at time of announcement) bounty program challenging cryptographers worldwide to break the elliptic curve algorithms that currently secure the global digital economy, from Bitcoin’s $2.4 trillion market to the $410 trillion banking system.
The challenge highlights an urgent reality: while these cryptographic foundations remain unbreakable today, quantum computers will inevitably crack them within 10-20 years, potentially triggering the largest financial crisis in history.
The Bounty Structure
- $50,000 for breaking secp256k1 (Bitcoin and Ethereum)
- $30,000 for breaking Ed25519 (Signal, WhatsApp, Solana)
- $20,000 for breaking NIST P-256 (TLS/SSL, Internet security)
- $10,000 for other major curves (P-224, P-384, P-521)
“This isn’t about attacking cryptocurrency, it’s about defending it,” said David Carvalho, CEO of Naoris Protocol. “These curves are mathematical masterpieces that have protected global commerce for decades. But quantum computing will render them obsolete. We’re building the quantum-safe infrastructure the world needs before that day arrives.”
What’s at Stake
The elliptic curve cryptography targeted by this bounty currently protects:
- $410 trillion in global banking assets
- $145 trillion in assets under management
- $57 trillion in intellectual property
- $2.4 trillion in cryptocurrency
- Government communications and defense systems
- Every secure internet transaction
The Challenge
Participants must demonstrate the ability to recover a full private key from a public key using mathematical cryptanalysis. Implementation flaws, side-channel attacks, or weak random number generators don’t qualify; this is about breaking the math itself.
Submissions can be made at: BountyForm
“When quantum computers achieve this in the next decade or two, it won’t be a drill,” Carvalho warned. “That’s why forward-thinking enterprises and governments are transitioning to post-quantum cryptography now.”
Racing Against Time
Current quantum computers have approximately 1,000 physical qubits. Breaking 256-bit elliptic curve cryptography requires an estimated 2,330 logical qubits. Although that gap may seem large, quantum computing is advancing at an exponential rate.
“The NSA announced in 2015 they’re transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography,” noted Carvalho. “When the world’s premier cryptographic authority moves, smart organizations follow.”
About Naoris Protocol
Naoris Protocol is building enterprise-grade, quantum-resistant blockchain infrastructure using lattice-based cryptography that withstands both classical and quantum attacks. The company serves Fortune 500 enterprises and government agencies, preparing for the post-quantum era.
Submit entries here: BountyForm
Media Contact: sharon@babslabs.io