Ethereum researchers are working on a new way to protect user accounts from future quantum computing threats without needing a hard fork. The solution could cost as little as seven cents per account.
Led by Ethereum Foundation researcher Nicolas Consigny, the plan uses Ethereum’s current system and an optimized version of the SPHINCS+ signature standard, which works with the Ethereum Virtual Machine and keeps costs low.
This comes as people worry that quantum computing could one day threaten the cryptography behind major blockchains.
The proposal introduces SPHINCS-, an Ethereum-focused version of the well-known SPHINCS+ post-quantum signature system. SPHINCS+ is very resistant to quantum attacks, but its large signatures have made it costly to use on blockchains.
To fix this, researchers swapped the standard SHAKE256 hashing function for KECCAK256, which is Ethereum’s own hashing method. Since Ethereum is already set up to use KECCAK256 efficiently, this change cuts verification costs a lot. The research says post-quantum signatures could be checked for about 150,000 gas, making them practical for regular users.
Several well-known Ethereum contributors, including co-founder Vitalik Buterin and researcher Justin Drake, have given input on the proposal. Their involvement shows how seriously the Ethereum community is taking this issue.
The urgency comes from recent progress in quantum computing. While today’s blockchain cryptography is still safe, researchers have shown small successes in breaking cryptographic keys with quantum hardware.
These tests are not a threat to Bitcoin or Ethereum yet, but they remind the industry to prepare before quantum computers get strong enough to break current encryption.
While many other blockchains still use traditional cryptography, Ethereum is taking steps to prepare for a post-quantum future. If this proposal works, it could be one of the first real examples of quantum-resistant account security and help keep Ethereum safe as technology changes.
Source: TradingView
Ethereum Researcher Says Post-Quantum Account Protection Can Be Implemented Today for $0.07
Ethereum Foundation privacy project Kohaku lead Nico said Ethereum can begin preparing accounts for the post-quantum era today without requiring a hard fork. According to Nico, the… pic.twitter.com/bsKzN8mcYX
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) June 13, 2026
Stay informed with the latest trends in Web3, blockchain innovation, and cybersecurity updates at 3verseTV
You need to login in order to Like
Leave a comment