Ethereum Takes Formal Steps to Address Quantum Computing Risks - Bitcoin.com News

Ethereum developers have initiated formal protocols to mitigate risks posed by quantum computing to blockchain security, focusing on cryptographic vulnerabilities in digital signatures and key encryption. The upgrade targets post-quantum cryptography (PQC) integration, aiming to replace current ECDSA signatures with quantum-resistant algorithms like CRYSTALS-Dilithium, approved by NIST in 2024. Implementation will occur in phases, beginning with testnet deployments in early 2026, followed by mainnet upgrades pending community consensus and audits to ensure backward compatibility. The move follows warnings from researchers that quantum computers could break Ethereum’s cryptographic defenses within a decade, jeopardizing $500B+ in secured assets. Industry collaboration with PQC experts and rival chains (e.g., Cardano, Polkadot) is accelerating, signaling a sector-wide shift toward quantum-proof infrastructure.