Solana, Aptos Move to Harden Blockchains Against Future Quantum Attacks
Solana developers are preparing for potential quantum computing threats by testing quantum-resistant cryptography. In partnership with Project Eleven, they assessed Solana’s readiness for quantum attacks and deployed a testnet using post-quantum digital signatures to determine if such transactions are feasible without disrupting the network. These steps aim to ensure Solana’s long-term security. Earlier, Solana introduced the Winternitz Vault wallet, which uses a hash-based signature scheme, as an opt-in user protection against quantum threats. Other blockchains, such as Aptos, are making similar preparations. Aptos proposed adding a post-quantum signature scheme, SLH-DSA, as an optional account type, which relies on the SHA-256 hash function. This approach doesn’t require a network-wide migration but has performance tradeoffs due to larger, slower signatures. Blockchain experts generally believe quantum computing attacks remain a distant risk, but agree it’s prudent to develop post-quantum protections now. The industry’s efforts reflect an emphasis on proactive security despite the timeline for practical quantum attacks remaining uncertain.
