Blockstream Launches Institutional Digital-Asset Custody System

Blockstream launched an institutional digital-asset custody solution developed with Thales on Friday, placing transaction signing inside hardware security modules (HSMs) as CEO Adam Back argued that offline storage can reduce cyber risks.

The system combines Thales’ HSMs with Blockstream’s Secure Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology. Its architecture keeps the full signing protocol inside the HSMs’ protected environment, while some conventional MPC systems may perform parts of signing outside dedicated hardware.

Back said conventional MPC protocols can be too complex and require too much communication among devices for fully offline cold storage. “Complexity is the enemy of security. And going back to basics is the answer, you know, just cold-store it,” he said.

Back said internet-connected equipment can remain exposed to unauthorized access even when protected by firewalls. He also warned that artificial intelligence could help attackers find subtle flaws in complex MPC implementations.