Vitalik Buterin Proposes Quantum-Resistant Strategy for Ethereum

Ethereum currently possesses robust capabilities to protect user funds from quantum computers through a simple “recovery fork,” according to Vitalik Buterin, the project’s co-founder.

“The blockchain would require a hard fork, and users would need new wallet software, but few would lose their funds,” he stated.

In a publication on Ethereum Research, Buterin noted that asset protection is intended to be ensured by transitioning to contract addresses (account abstraction) and implementing quantum-resistant cryptography such as Winternitz signatures and STARK technology.

However, he questioned what to do if the quantum era arrives suddenly and computational power falls into the hands of malicious actors. Assets on traditional EOA addresses that have conducted at least one transaction would be at risk. The capabilities of quantum computers allow for hash reversal from a public key to gain wallet access, leaving most users vulnerable.

Buterin proposed an action plan in the event of a major asset theft, which includes:

• rolling back all blocks to the point before the widespread attack occurred;
• disabling transactions from EOA addresses;
• adding a new type of contract wallet, for example, through RIP-7560;
• allowing users to verify their EOA accounts using STARK proofs for automatic transformation into the new format.

Buterin suggests that to reduce gas costs, proof packages should be used for the above process via the STARK-of-STARKs method.

“The infrastructure for implementing such a hard fork could, in principle, begin construction tomorrow. This would make the Ethereum ecosystem as prepared as possible in the event of a real quantum emergency,” he concluded.  

In March 2023, developers activated the ERC-4337 standard, implementing the concept of account abstraction.

However, in November, Stackup co-founder John Rising noted a low interest in smart accounts, leading to a decrease in their user base.