Ethereum Unveils $0.07 Quantum-Safe Account Plan Without Hard Fork
Updated
Updated · digitaltoday.co.kr · Jun 15
Ethereum Unveils $0.07 Quantum-Safe Account Plan Without Hard Fork
3 articles · Updated · digitaltoday.co.kr · Jun 15
Summary
$0.07 per account is the estimated cost of a new Ethereum plan to add quantum-resistant protection at the account level without a network-wide upgrade.
The proposal would let Ethereum verify post-quantum signatures on its current execution layer using an EVM-compatible SPHINCS-based design, with verification cost estimated at about 150,000 gas.
Nico of the Ethereum Foundation's Kohaku project said the approach could start now rather than wait for a hard fork, while additional security audits and formal verification work are still planned.
The push reflects rising concern that quantum computers could eventually break the ECDSA signatures used by Ethereum and Bitcoin, making cheaper on-chain post-quantum verification a growing priority.
Quantum computing poses a significant threat to blockchain security because today's Ethereum accounts use elliptic curve cryptography, which could be cracked by powerful quantum computers. This risk means malicious actors might forge transactions and drain user wallets in the future. To address this, the Ethereum Foundation has developed the Kohaku project, offering an immediate upgrade that lets users enhance their account security against quantum threats. By leveraging new smart account technology, Kohaku provides an accessible and affordable way for users to protect their assets, making quantum-proofing available today and helping secure Ethereum for the future.