Post-Quantum Bridge Account for Blockchain Balance Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

The advent of quantum computers threatens to break classical cryptographic signatures, making electronic accounts in monetary networks vulnerable to theft, particularly if a quantum attack occurs before the transition to post-quantum algorithms is complete, leaving liquidities susceptible to theft without compensation for holders.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented to secure first-generation electronic accounts by generating a second-generation account associated with a post-quantum cryptographic protocol, allowing transactions to be recorded in a blockchain, linking the first-generation account to the second-generation account, and enabling balance restoration in case of a quantum attack, using protocols resistant to Shor, Grover, or Simon algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If classical cryptographic signatures are used in electronic accounts, then current security standards are maintained and operations are efficient, but the accounts become vulnerable to quantum attacks that can break the cryptographic protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of electronic accountVSAvoidquantum attack vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating a bridge account before the quantum threat materializes. This bridge account serves as a pre-prepared escape route that allows account holders to transfer their funds from vulnerable classical cryptographic accounts to quantum-resistant accounts before quantum computers become capable of breaking current encryption. The bridge account is set up in advance with dual authorization mechanisms to ensure security while enabling future-proofing against quantum attacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge account functions as an intermediary between classical cryptographic accounts and quantum-resistant accounts. It acts as a mediator that allows secure transfer of funds and ownership verification without requiring direct replacement of the underlying cryptographic infrastructure. The bridge account uses multi-signature mechanisms involving both the original account holder and the quantum-resistant account, creating a trusted intermediary layer that facilitates the transition while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If post-quantum cryptographic protocols are immediately adopted, then quantum security is achieved, but compatibility with existing blockchain infrastructure and user convenience are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum attack resistanceVSAvoidcompatibility with existing infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cryptographic transition into separate, manageable components: classical accounts, bridge accounts, and quantum-resistant accounts. This segmentation allows each component to operate with its appropriate cryptographic protocol without requiring complete system replacement. The bridge account segment specifically handles the transition logic, isolating the complexity of cryptographic migration from both the classical and quantum-resistant sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge account implements multi-functionality by serving multiple purposes: it acts as a secure storage location, a transfer mechanism, a verification point, and a compatibility layer. It can interface with both classical cryptographic accounts and quantum-resistant accounts, making it a universal solution that works across different cryptographic eras. This multi-functional design allows the same infrastructure to support both legacy and future-proof security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a quantum attack occurs on classical cryptographic accounts, then the cryptographic protection is broken, but the liquidity in electronic accounts can be stolen without compensation for holders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecryptographic protectionVSAvoidloss of liquidity without compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge account serves as a cushioning mechanism that protects against quantum attack losses. By establishing the bridge account in advance with proper authorization mechanisms, it creates a safety buffer that prevents direct theft from classical accounts. Even if quantum attackers compromise the classical cryptographic keys, the bridge account's dual-authorization requirement and quantum-resistant infrastructure prevent unauthorized transfers, cushioning the impact and preserving fund security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the blockchain infrastructure is altered to implement quantum resistance, then security against quantum attacks is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and decentralization may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum attack resistanceVSAvoidblockchain infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the quantum resistance complexity from the core blockchain infrastructure and places it in separate bridge accounts. This extraction allows the main blockchain to remain relatively simple and compatible with existing implementations, while the quantum-resistant functionality is isolated in dedicated bridge account structures. The bridge accounts handle the cryptographic complexity independently, preventing it from propagating through the entire blockchain ecosystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3843324A1Method for securing the balance of an electronic account
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 THALES SA
  • EP3843324A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3843324A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3843324A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for securing the balance of a first-generation electronic account in a monetary network, the first-generation electronic account being associated with a first-generation cryptographic signature obtained from a first-generation cryptographic protocol, the monetary network being associated with a blockchain of information, the method comprising the steps of: - generating a second-generation electronic account associated with a second-generation cryptographic signature from a second-generation cryptographic protocol, the second-generation cryptographic protocol having been designed according to at least one quantum algorithm, and - carrying out a transaction of an amount from the balance of the first-generation account to the second-generation account.the completion of the transaction, including its recording in the monetary network's blockchain.