Experts Acknowledge Solana, Sui, and Near as Quantum-Resistant

Modern blockchains such as Solana, Sui, and Near are better shielded from the threat of quantum computers than Bitcoin and Ethereum, according to analysts at Mysten Labs.

The networks of the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization operate on ECDSA, which is theoretically vulnerable to quantum attacks. Shor’s algorithm can recover private keys from public ones. The robustness of ECDSA also depends on the quality of randomness in signature generation, posing risks if implementation errors occur.

EdDSA in Solana, Sui, and Near is more reliable: it uses Edwards curves, does not require random numbers for signatures, and is more easily adaptable to post-quantum cryptography.

Post-Quantum Cryptographic Standards

According to Mysten Labs co-founder Kostas Chalkias, quantum computers “could destroy all modern cryptography.” Thus, the pressure on blockchains is mounting—from corporations as well.

Major companies and entire nations are increasingly building Bitcoin and Ethereum reserves. They too must consider how to secure their investments.

“Governments are well aware of the risks associated with quantum computing. Various agencies worldwide have already issued mandates that outdated encryption systems like ECDSA and RSA must be phased out by 2030 or 2035,” Chalkias told Decrypt.

Potential Challenges

Currently, quantum computers are not powerful enough to breach Bitcoin and Ethereum networks. However, preparations should begin now, noted Ahmed Banafa, a professor of computer science at San Jose University.

Transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms will require a hard fork, involving address changes and fund migration. However, the expert acknowledged that the likelihood of such an upgrade is low due to community disagreements:

“It’s reminiscent of the Ethereum hard fork in 2015 [when Ethereum Classic emerged]. One might assume that with Bitcoin, the same will happen: some users will insist on a different approach and will not follow the proposed updates.”

Another obstacle is the vast number of wallets created in the networks of the two largest cryptocurrencies.

“The main challenge will be implementation. If users do not update or secure their accounts, they could pose a threat to the entire blockchain. And if they lose funds as a result, they may try to blame the network,” Banafa said.

Back in July, a group of developers discovered a way to protect Bitcoin from potential quantum computer threats.