Ethereum and Quantum Computers: Vitalik Buterin Reveals Bold Strategy
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at fortifying Ethereum’s defenses against threats posed by quantum computers and outlined a potential recovery plan in the event of a quantum emergency.
The in-depth plan to address quantum risks in the Ethereum network was revealed in his latest research titled, “How to hard-fork to save most users’ funds in a quantum emergency” wherein he proposed diverse measures to safeguard user funds in the face of quantum advancements.
Understanding the Quantum Threat
Buterin affirmed that should quantum computers become widely accessible and pose an imminent threat, Ethereum is already strategically positioned to implement a recovery fork. He explained that this recovery fork would entail a hard fork of the blockchain, prompting users to install new wallet software. Nonetheless, Buterin assured that the majority of users would not experience a loss of funds throughout this process.
Buterin stresses the significance of quantum-resistant cryptography in protecting the Ethereum system against the potential threat of malicious entities utilizing quantum computers to pilfer users’ funds. There were concerns in the past when a leaked Google report revealed that its advancements in quantum computing theoretically posed a potential threat to Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
Buterin’s Quantum Defense Blueprint
Buterin acknowledged the inherent vulnerability of ETH addresses and the potential impact of quantum computing on cryptographic functions, and then proposed a proactive five-step approach to mitigate quantum risks within the Ethereum space.
Buterin’s proposal involves carefully reverting to a previous blockchain state upon detecting significant theft in the initial block. Subsequently, adjustments will be made to transaction protocols to safeguard against large-scale fund breaches during a quantum emergency.
Ensuring Ethereum’s Quantum Resilience
He additionally suggested the deactivation of conventional externally owned account (EOA)-based transactions and proposed the implementation of a novel transaction category permitting transactions from smart contract wallets.
Buterin asserted that through the utilization of sophisticated cryptographic techniques such as STARKs, Ethereum seeks to bolster its defenses against quantum threats, safeguarding the trustworthiness of transactions and user assets.
The Ethereum co-founder also proposed the adoption of gas-efficient batch proofs to enhance scalability. Through these initiatives, Ethereum seeks to optimize its preparedness for a potential quantum crisis. These recommendations differ from when he proposed the integration of Artificial Intelligence in tackling Ethereum’s challenges.
Buterin stresses the prompt commencement of infrastructure development for implementing a hard fork recovery plan, thereby safeguarding Ethereum from emerging threats and bolstering its resilience and security.
