Stay up to Date on the Latest in Bitcoin Tech

Jun 24 - Jun 30, 2025

Ava Chow announced the release of Bitcoin Core 28.2, which introduces new features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements, aiming to make the software more accessible globally. This version, available for download on the [Bitcoin Core website](https://bitcoincore.org/bin/bitcoin-core-28.2/), maintains compatibility with older wallet versions and supports a wide range of operating systems. It emphasizes the importance of community contributions, acknowledging individuals like 0xB10C, achow101, and Sjors Provoost for their roles in the development process. Significant changes include improved build processes, compatibility adjustments, and documentation updates, with detailed instructions provided for upgrading from older versions. In a separate discussion, roasbeef proposes reimagining onion messaging within the Lightning Network (LN) to address limitations of the current model by establishing an overlay layer bootstrapped using the LN gossip layer. This approach aims to enhance deployment speed, privacy, and payment efficiency by reducing reliance on the channel graph, allowing for incremental adoption and facilitating key management improvements. The technical foundation for the overlay involves a series of TLV-based handshake messages for secure onion messaging link establishment, promising better scalability, flexibility, and innovation in LN communications. The proposal, detailed at [Delving Bitcoin](https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/reimagining-onion-messages-as-an-overlay-layer/1799), highlights the potential for a more efficient and private messaging infrastructure within the LN ecosystem.

May 26 - May 28, 2025

Recent discussions among the Bitcoin developer community have spotlighted several pivotal issues and proposed innovations aimed at enhancing the network's resilience and user experience. Peter Todd highlighted an ongoing sybil attack on Libre Relay nodes, revealing a sophisticated effort to obstruct transactions and elevate operational costs for genuine nodes. This situation underscores the evolving challenges in securing transaction relay mechanisms against malicious activities ([source](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/CAHTn92zkmfw2KwZCTRyGhnYPASWBUoLaxV65ASYpPeBUpX1SWw@mail.gmail.com/T/#mb7e09e4cf5025afb55251e57fadd6eaba37fd471)). In another vein, Aviv Bar-el introduced a "Well-Known Bitcoin Identity Endpoint," aimed at streamlining Bitcoin transactions by facilitating the discovery of payment and contact information through a simple HTTPS protocol. This initiative seeks to extend the utility of Lightning Addresses, highlighting a stride towards more efficient and user-friendly transaction processes ([source](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/CAEbZFSsA49mnsVia7L-0k9S=oa93nCN4KudHdK8ZnSbboenohw@mail.gmail.com/T/#u#m6ee6a01d2cfe8842946e0812a9726d7213b45d74)). The conversation also touched upon the imperative of fortifying Bitcoin against quantum computing threats. Tadge Dryja discussed the potential of implementing post-quantum cryptography within the Bitcoin protocol to counter the advancements in quantum computing that could compromise the current cryptographic safeguards. This debate underscores the critical need for forward-thinking strategies to ensure the long-term security and viability of Bitcoin in the face of evolving technological landscapes ([source](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/CAFC_Vt6gqV-8aoTKt2it1p9LAnvaADueHnC1cM6LQojZf6fjCw@mail.gmail.com/T/#m0085c639b6b596d9aecdc731d3afa917208fb8d4)). In summary, these discussions reflect the Bitcoin community's ongoing efforts to address both immediate and future challenges through technical innovation and strategic planning. The community's proactive approach to tackling issues related to security, usability, and quantum computing demonstrates a commitment to maintaining Bitcoin's integrity and functionality amidst a rapidly changing technological environment.

May 19 - May 25, 2025

Recent discussions in the cryptographic and Bitcoin communities have highlighted several key developments and challenges. Bas Westerbaan's exploration into "jpeg resistance" across various signature schemes reveals a spectrum of vulnerability, with traditional hash-based signatures lacking resistance, whereas RFC 8391 XMSS introduces enhancements to counteract manipulation attempts. This discourse underscores the complexity of ensuring digital signature security against sophisticated attacks, necessitating ongoing innovation in cryptographic practices ([source](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/CAMjbhoU=PCUwbhWFbqCbOdZc+ybmREJmmt1K1TuHrCTncKH6VA@mail.gmail.com/T/#me741815bcd4a23a7fe6fbb0c1938016b3683a47a)). Jonathan Voss and the Bitcoin community's debate over the network's use for non-monetary data transmission, particularly through Citrea's Clementine Bridge proposal, reflects the broader discussion on blockchain utility beyond financial transactions. The proposition of a configurable data blob relay service within the Bitcoin protocol suggests a pragmatic approach to balancing the original monetary purpose with emerging technological demands, aiming to ensure network efficiency and relevance ([source](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/a2fde16d-5ddd-47ae-8b8f-6ca313d92b66n@googlegroups.com/T/#u#m818954f6c0bf0fbb079d57f94a7814796b3e6091)). In the realm of secure cryptocurrency wallets, the dialogue led by pithosian emphasizes the technical intricacies involved in generating airgapped wallets. The discussion sheds light on the critical importance of using alternative entropy sources and the role of specialized tools in enhancing security measures. This conversation mirrors the broader effort within the cryptocurrency development community to make advanced cryptographic tools more accessible while ensuring users are well-informed about security practices ([source](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/4c376336-1fe3-4b1c-b13b-8dcc2075e758n@googlegroups.com/T/#mee90c7498624e29f71da681d6d1259741113b8ea)). Lastly, the LN spec meeting's focus on the privacy implications of HTLC hold times illustrates the intricate balance between user experience and privacy within the Lightning Network. The discussion on encoding hold times and the potential for protocol changes to enforce privacy-preserving practices reveals the ongoing challenge of aligning network efficiency with the need for robust privacy measures ([source](https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/latency-and-privacy-in-lightning/1723)).