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Vitalik Buterin Proposes a Quantum-Resistant Hard Fork for Ethereum
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin proposed a hard fork strategy. This preventative measure is designed to protect user funds in the event that quantum computers become capable of breaking current cryptographic defenses.
The proposal, outlined in a discussion on the Ethereum research forum, highlights the urgency of preparing for the ability of quantum computers to solve problems such as the discrete logarithm, which underlies the security of many current cryptographic algorithms, including those used by Ethereum .
The proposed hard fork would involve the following steps:
- Reversal of all blocks following detection of large-scale quantum attacks.
- Disable traditional externally owned account (EOA) transactions to prevent further vulnerabilities.
- Introduction of a new transaction type for smart contract wallets, in line with the expected RIP-7560 standard.
- Implementation of a new transaction type or opcode that allows users to submit STARK proofs, demonstrating knowledge of a private preimage and public address derived via approved hash functions. The user’s account code would then be replaced with a new quantum-resistant validation code.
The conversation in the Ethereum community is informed by a variety of expert input. One attendee shared a visual aid to help understand the proof statement, while others discussed existing quantum security fallbacks for wallets and integrating preimages into ECDSA signature nonces to create fail-stop signature schemes.
Some community members have warned that if quantum computers capable of hacking Ethereum wallets are already in malicious hands, it may be too late to distinguish between legitimate owners and attackers. They suggest that instead of relying on stateful post-quantum algorithms, Ethereum should use NIST standardized ones in hybrid mode with a classical algorithm, such as combining Dilithium with ed25519. This, however, would increase block sizes due to the large signature and public key sizes of current post-quantum schemes.
Others have proposed developing machine learning systems to monitor and detect anomalous transactions as an early warning system to trigger a fail-safe fork.
The community’s response highlights the importance of staying at the forefront of the security arms race against quantum computing. Innovations such as Lamport signatures and smart wallets for smart contracts based on ERC 4337 are already in development, as is the integration of quantum-secure cryptographic measures into other digital signature applications.
This initiative by the Ethereum community reflects the blockchain ecosystem’s broader commitment to resilience and adaptability in the face of emerging technological threats. As quantum computing advances, the blockchain industry’s proactive stance on security promises to be a critical factor in its long-term sustainability and reliability.
The Ethereum team and community’s proactive approach to quantum security demonstrates a clear recognition of the challenges ahead and a willingness to address them head-on. This ongoing conversation will likely shape the future of Ethereum’s infrastructure and set a precedent for other blockchain platforms.
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