Definition ∞ A Computational Barrier denotes a significant obstacle or challenge that requires substantial processing power or time to overcome. In cryptographic contexts, this often refers to the difficulty of reversing a one-way function or brute-forcing a private key. These barriers are fundamental to the security of blockchain networks, protecting transactions and digital assets from unauthorized access.
Context ∞ The ongoing race in quantum computing presents a potential future Computational Barrier to existing cryptographic standards, raising concerns about the long-term security of current blockchain protocols. Researchers are actively developing post-quantum cryptography to counteract this future threat. Discussions frequently focus on the economic viability of breaking current cryptographic protections versus the cost of implementing new, more robust algorithms.