Ethereum prepares for quantum threat with $300M security upgrade

Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) co-founder Vitalik Buterin discussed the potential risks posed by quantum computing to blockchain security in a recent Epicenter podcast.

He referenced data from prediction markets like Metaculus, noting the median forecast for quantum computers capable of breaking cryptography falls between 2030 and 2035.

Buterin cautioned against hype, explaining many so-called quantum machines are quantum adiabatic devices that cannot execute algorithms threatening to cryptographic systems.

“They basically can’t really do anything that interesting that classical computers can’t do.” he said.

The key concern is whether quantum computers can run Shor’s algorithm at scale, which would undermine RSA and other encryption methods used by Ethereum and similar protocols.

“The question you ask is: What is the biggest number that you’ve factored using Shor’s algorithm? As long as the answer keeps not getting above 35, then it’s not super interesting.” Buterin remarked.

Despite the current limitations, he acknowledged significant progress in quantum-resistant cryptography development.

Ethereum researcher Justin Drake is working on “quantum-resistant aggregation-friendly signatures” to prepare the network for future threats.

“So I’m actually very optimistic that Ethereum will be able to cover it.” Buterin expressed cautious optimism, stating.

Recent advances include the Ethereum Foundation’s roadmap to integrate a zkEVM directly into Layer 1 within twelve months.

Researcher Sophia Gold outlined plans for verifying succinct STARK-based proofs for 99 percent of main-net blocks within 12-second slots.

This upgrade aims to provide a mandatory security floor of 128 bits and proof sizes below 300 KiB.

By enabling validators to verify blocks using quantum-resistant proofs, the protocol reduces its attack surface and improves scalability.

At the time of reporting, Ethereum price was $2,987.66.