Vitalik Buterin proposes a hard fork strategy for Ethereum to protect funds from quantum computer attacks, sparking a community-wide discussion on quantum security.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a hard fork strategy. This preventive measure is intended to protect user funds in the event that quantum computers are enabled to breach 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 include the following steps:
- Reversal of all blocks after the detection of large-scale quantum attacks.
- Disabling traditional external account transactions (EOA) to prevent further vulnerability.
- Introducing 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 a 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 range of input from experts. One participant shared a visual aid to help understand the proof statement, while others discussed existing quantum-safe fallbacks for wallets and the integration of preimages into ECDSA signature nonces to create fail-stop signature schemes.
Some community members have warned that if quantum computers capable of cracking 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 standardized NIST algorithms in hybrid mode with a classical algorithm, such as combining Dilithium with ed25519. However, this would increase the block size due to the large signature and public key sizes of current post-quantum schemes.
Others have proposed the development of machine learning systems to monitor and detect abnormal transactions as an early warning system to trigger a fail-safe fork.
The community’s response underlines the importance of staying at the forefront of the security arms race against quantum computing. Innovations such as Lamport signatures and ERC 4337-based quantum-resistant smart contract wallets are already in development, as is the integration of quantum-safe cryptographic measures into other digital signature applications.
This initiative from the Ethereum community reflects the broader blockchain ecosystem’s 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 crucial factor for its long-term viability and reliability.
The Ethereum team and community’s proactive approach to quantum security shows a clear recognition of the challenges ahead and a willingness to address them head-on. This ongoing conversation will likely determine the future of Ethereum’s infrastructure and set a precedent for other blockchain platforms.