The SHA-256 hash algorithm has been cracked, does Bitcoin security face the biggest crisis in history?

In the world of digital currencies, Bitcoin is undoubtedly the brightest star. However, with the latest breakthrough in the field of cryptography - the development of the SHA-2 collision attack method, the security of Bitcoin has once again become the focus of public attention. This achievement was achieved by a joint research team from East China Normal University and Tokyo Institute of Technology, who successfully broke SHA-256, SHA-512 and SHA-224 hashes of specific step sizes.

This news may be disturbing to ordinary Bitcoin holders, since Bitcoin addresses are based on SHA-256 hashes. If an attacker can easily construct a hash that is the same as a legitimate address, it will mean that Bitcoin's security defenses have been completely breached. But fortunately, the 64-step SHA-256 hash currently used by the Bitcoin system is still indestructible, and there is still a long way to go before it is completely broken.

Despite this, we still can’t help but ask: Can Bitcoin cope with future variables and challenges? When disruptive technologies such as quantum computers and controllable nuclear fusion emerge, and when humans cross the stars and become a cosmic species, how will Bitcoin adapt to these great changes?

The answer may be hidden in the "change and immutability" of Bitcoin. The core design of Bitcoin—decentralization, limited total amount, and non-tampering characteristics—form its indestructible cornerstone. These core principles have remained unchanged since Bitcoin’s inception and are key to its widespread acceptance and trust.

However, while keeping the core design unchanged, the Bitcoin system continues to evolve. From the initial simple code to the highly complex network it is now, Bitcoin has gone through countless upgrades and improvements. These changes not only enhance the security of Bitcoin, but also expand its application scenarios and functions.

Therefore, we can think of Bitcoin as a “Ship of Theseus.” The ship continued to replace parts during its voyage, and may even have changed its crew from batch to batch, but as long as its core design—that is, the essence of a ship sailing on the ocean—remains unchanged, it will still be that A ship of Theseus. Similarly, as long as Bitcoin maintains its core characteristics of decentralization, security, and limitation, no matter how its technical details change, it will be the Bitcoin that leads the digital currency trend.

In the years to come, Bitcoin may face more challenges and variables. But as long as we stick to its core design and continue to promote technological innovation and upgrades, Bitcoin will be able to cope with all unknown challenges. This is not only a victory of technology, but also a perfect embodiment of the dialectics of "the contradictory unity of change and immutability".