Zcash developers set January target for quantum-resistant payments after ‘bunker mode’ scare
Zcash developers plan to add post-quantum signature opcodes in January, enabling the network to verify hash-based spending approvals designed to resist quantum attacks. The target is not a confirmed activation date, and the initial work focuses on transparent payments, which hold about 70% of issued ZEC. Zcash also offers private information retrieval so wallets can check balances without revealing queried addresses to servers; an experimental feature is available in Vizor. Shielded payments need separate quantum protections. The plan follows Ethereum researcher Justin Drake’s warning that AI could accelerate attacks on wallet cryptography, though no practical attack has been demonstrated. Ethereum targets a broader quantum-resistant migration by December 2029.
