Amid concerns over the threat of quantum computing, Solana has taken a preemptive measure to protect its blockchains. The Solana Foundation has inked a deal with Project Eleven to quantum-proof the blockchain amid accelerating industry research across the cryptoverse.
Solana Braces For Quantum Computing With New Partnership
According to an official announcement, the Solana Foundation has taken the first step toward quantum-proofing the Solana blockchain by signing a partnership with Project Eleven, a Google-led research initiative.
Per the joint statement, Project Eleven has conducted a “full threat assessment” to measure how future quantum computing innovation could adversely affect Solana. The assessment measured the effects on Solana’s core infrastructure, validator security, and user wallets, charting a tentative solution for the blockchain.
After the assessment, Project Eleven prototyped a functioning Solana testnet and deployed a functioning post-quantum signature system. By the end of the study, Project Eleven proved that quantum-resistant transactions on Solana are possible, laying the foundation for mainstream applications.
“Efforts like Project Eleven’s reflect early, concrete steps to strengthen the network and stay at the forefront, ensuring Solana’s resiliency long-term,” said Matt Sorg, VP, Technology at the Solana Foundation.
At the moment, quantum computing does not pose an immediate threat to blockchains. However, the frenetic pace of innovation by Big Tech companies has stoked fears that quantum computers could crack blockchain signatures in the near future.
“Solana didn’t wait for quantum computers to become a headline problem,” said Project Eleven CEO Alex Pruden. “The results show that post-quantum security on Solana is viable with today’s technology.”
Bitcoin And Ethereum Are Bracing For Impact
Bitcoin developers are currently experimenting with NIST post-quantum standards and hybrid signature proposals to safeguard the network. Meanwhile, the Ethereum Foundation is prioritizing quantum-proofing the network before the end of the decade with Vitalik Buterin backing the push.
However, several experts have downplayed the threat of quantum computing to Bitcoin. Cryptographer Adam Back revealed that Bitcoin is not at risk from quantum computing for at least two decades. While Michael Saylor notes that quantum computing threats will strengthen Bitcoin, venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya predicts that the earliest risks to the network will emerge before the end of the decade.
Source: https://zycrypto.com/solana-braces-for-quantum-computing-threats-with-new-signature-deployment/
