Vitalik Buterin Proposes a Quantum-Resistant Hard Fork for Ethereum

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a hard fork strategy. This preemptive 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 quantum computers’ ability to solve problems like the discrete logarithm, which underpins the security of many current cryptographic algorithms including those used by Ethereum.

The proposed hard fork would entail the following steps:

Reversion of all blocks following the detection of large-scale quantum attacks.
Disabling traditional externally owned account (EOA) transactions to prevent further vulnerability.
Introduction of a new transaction type for smart contract wallets, in line with the anticipated RIP-7560 standard.
Implementation of a new transaction type or opcode allowing users to submit STARK proofs, demonstrating the knowledge of a private preimage and a public address derived through 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 expert inputs. One participant shared a visual aid to help understand the proof statement, while others discussed existing quantum-secure fallbacks for wallets and the integration of preimages into ECDSA signature nonces to create fail-stop signature schemes.

Some community members have cautioned that if quantum computers capable of cracking Ethereum wallets are already in malicious hands, it might be too late to differentiate 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, like combining Dilithium with ed25519. This would, however, increase block sizes 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 ahead in 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 in other digital signature applications.

This initiative by 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 sector’s proactive stance on security promises to be a critical factor in its long-term viability and trustworthiness.

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.