9 blockchain groups reportedly pursue quantum-resistance assessment criteria

Nine blockchain organizations are reportedly working on public criteria to assess readiness for a transition to quantum-resistant systems. The reported work covers network upgrades, wallet security, zero-knowledge proof assessments and cross-chain compatibility.

Crypto Briefing reported that Quantus, American Fortress, Intmax and six other organizations launched the Quantum Alliance. The group plans to develop criteria for assessing the quantum readiness of networks, wallets and infrastructure, using an open process modeled on the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the report said.

The reported work areas include procedures for moving existing funds and keys to new cryptographic methods; security and performance assessments for quantum-resistant zero-knowledge proofs; wallet specifications for key generation, storage, signing and recovery; and cross-chain compatibility among wallets, bridges and hardware signers. No draft standards or specific timeline have been made public.

Post-quantum cryptography is designed to address threats that powerful quantum computers could pose to current public-key cryptography. On Aug. 13, 2024, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published FIPS 203, 204 and 205, covering key encapsulation, lattice-based digital signatures and stateless hash-based digital signatures, respectively.

Establishing algorithm standards does not mean they can be applied to blockchain networks immediately. Networks would need to change their cryptography and migrate existing assets and keys, while wallets and cross-chain connection tools would also have to work with the new methods.

Crypto Briefing reported that Christopher Smith, founder and CEO of Quantus, said the effort aims to create common criteria for the industry. The report also said Sebastien Guillemot, chief technology officer of the Midnight Foundation, discussed the need to jointly establish assessment methods for quantum-resistant zero-knowledge proofs.

The report describes an industry discussion on a framework for evaluating blockchain readiness for a quantum-resistant transition. The alliance's membership and plans have not been confirmed in an official announcement, and no draft standards have been released.

The Group of Seven (G7) has previously called for a transition to post-quantum cryptography, while wallet signatures and transaction authentication have been discussed as long-term security challenges for blockchains. Ripple previously set 2028 as its target for a quantum-resistant transition for the XRP Ledger.