XRPL targets 2028 quantum upgrade, with no roadmap yet

XRP Ledger contributor Vet publicly proposed a 2028 target for the network’s transition to quantum resistance, positioning it ahead of Ethereum’s discussed 2029 timeline despite the absence of any formal confirmation in an official XRPL roadmap, the company says. Vet highlighted the use of “Ed25519” cryptography on the XRP Ledger, explaining that “Project 11 is looking into Validators and other parts of the XRP Ledger as well to assess where we need to work on.” The proposal, initially shared on X September 9, 2026, details an expected 2027 testing phase utilizing hybrid post-quantum signatures before a potential mainnet upgrade. Vet Proposes 2028 XRPL Transition with Hybrid Testing The XRP Ledger may adopt a hybrid quantum-resistant system as early as 2028, according to a proposal outlined by contributor Vet, though no formal network roadmap currently reflects this timeline. This proposed transition would position the XRPL ahead of Ethereum’s discussed 2029 target for full post-quantum security, a date identified by researcher Justin Drake as his expected completion point, not a governance-approved deadline. Ethereum’s schedule stems from a technical presentation, while the XRPL’s 2028 goal remains a contributor’s proposal awaiting formal adoption through amendment and validator consensus. The proposed plan involves a 2027 testing phase, allowing for the evaluation of post-quantum algorithms and the parallel operation of both conventional and quantum-resistant signature methods before any mainnet activation. Publicly available documentation on the official XRP Ledger website does not currently list 2028 as an approved deadline, nor has a corresponding amendment proposal been published. The lack of a formal amendment or implementation schedule highlights the preliminary nature of the 2028 target, as a post on X cannot unilaterally commit the network to a deployment date. Changes to the XRPL typically proceed through a rigorous process of public development, testing, and amendment voting before activation. Drake identified three specific areas within Ethereum requiring new cryptography, BLS signatures, KZG commitments, and ECDSA signatures, but the algorithms and protocol components differ between the two networks, making a direct comparison of progress difficult to assess. “My completion date for Ethereum being fully post-quantum secure is 2029,” Drake said, representing his expectation, not a binding commitment.

Project Eleven Assesses XRPL Vulnerabilities & Key Rotation Project Eleven’s assessment focuses on account-level security and other parts of the XRP Ledger to assess where work is needed, recognizing that widespread use of the Ed25519 algorithm necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of network components. This focus on validators and other critical elements aims to pinpoint areas requiring quantum-resistant upgrades, a task outlined by contributor Vet in a September 9, 2026 post on X. The contributor detailed an anticipated testing phase preceding a hybrid system designed to operate both conventional and quantum-resistant signatures concurrently, acknowledging that Algorand also isn’t fully prepared for quantum threats. While the XRP Ledger already incorporates a RegularKey mechanism allowing account holders to assign replacement signing keys, this functionality does not constitute complete quantum protection, as the protocol currently permits disabling a master key but not replacing it. The ledger’s cryptographic documentation confirms that a sufficiently powerful quantum computer using Shor’s algorithm could compromise existing signature methods, prompting consideration of alternative signing algorithms should practical quantum computers emerge. XRPL would require a digital-signature method because users sign transactions and validators verify authorization, a process demanding network-specific engineering, independent audits, and compatibility testing. Project Eleven maintains a registry of post-quantum cryptography schemes, including ML-DSA, SLH-DSA, and FN-DSA, the standardized form related to Falcon, and offers public post-quantum audits and testing tools. However, no public announcement currently confirms a formal engagement with the XRP Ledger or a completed security audit. Quantum secure accounts is just one part, Algorand is not fully quantum ready either. Lots of Ed25519 use on the network. Ethereum’s 2029 Plan Differs From XRPL’s Approach The XRP Ledger’s proposed 2028 transition to quantum resistance diverges from Ethereum’s timeline through a planned hybrid approach, allowing both conventional and post-quantum signatures to operate concurrently. This strategy contrasts with Ethereum’s layered cryptographic overhaul, detailed by researcher Justin Drake, which focuses on updating BLS signatures, KZG commitments, and ECDSA account signatures separately. While Ethereum anticipates full post-quantum security by 2029, the XRPL’s schedule, currently a contributor proposal, prioritizes a phased implementation beginning with testing as described in previous sections. Vet, a contributor and validator, outlined this approach on X on September 9, 2026, stating, “Quantum secure accounts is just one part, Algorand is not fully quantum ready either. Lots of Ed25519 use on the network.” Drake clarified that his 2029 date represents an expected completion point, not a binding deadline, while the XRPL’s 2028 target remains a proposal awaiting formal adoption. This distinction is important, as a calendar comparison alone does not indicate which network has progressed further in engineering, testing, or security review; the differing cryptographic architectures and implementation strategies demand separate evaluation. Preserving existing r-addresses is also a key consideration for the XRP Ledger, aiming to minimize disruption for users and custodians during the transition, though this alone will not deliver full quantum resistance. Source: https://crypto.news/xrp-ledger-quantum-target-awaits-formal-roadmap/