Posted by Greg Maxwell
Nov 20, 2025/18:45 UTC
In an ongoing discussion about the efficiency and security of Bitcoin's underlying mechanisms, a notable point was raised regarding the reliance on miners. The suggestion posited that for individuals comfortable with placing trust in miners, running Simplified Payment Verification (SPV) could be a viable alternative. SPV clients do not store the entire blockchain but instead rely on block headers, significantly reducing the storage requirement on user devices.
Additionally, the conversation touched upon concerns related to security, specifically highlighting the potential risks associated with allowing attackers the ability to manipulate the midstate of a hash. This kind of vulnerability is considered critical as it falls outside the typical scope of security analysis within the context of Bitcoin's infrastructure. Such vulnerabilities underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to security, especially in systems as decentralized and widely used as Bitcoin.
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