Hash-Based Zero-Knowledge Technology Can Quantum-Proof Ethereum, Says XinXin Fan

Dr. XinXin Fan, Head of Cryptography at IoTeX, recently co-authored an award-winning research paper titled Enabling a Smooth Migration Towards Post-Quantum Security for Ethereum. The paper, which won a Best Paper award at the 2024 International Conference for Blockchain, argues that hash-based zero-knowledge technologies are the most user-friendly solution for quantum-proofing the Ethereum network and similar cryptographic systems.

Dr. Fan explained that the elliptic curve digital signature algorithms (ECDSA) used in current blockchain systems, including Ethereum, are vulnerable to quantum computing attacks. However, this threat can be mitigated by incorporating hash-based zero-knowledge proofs—such as Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge (ZK-Starks)—into each transaction.

Dr. Fan emphasized that this method offers a smoother transition for users compared to other proposed quantum-resistant solutions. "With our approach, users can continue using their existing wallets, but we add a quantum-safe zero-knowledge proof to each transaction," he said. This strategy balances both security and usability, ensuring that the migration to post-quantum standards is seamless and user-friendly.

The Quantum Threat and the Need for Migration

The looming quantum threat has garnered increasing attention, especially as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has set a hard deadline for the migration of legacy systems to post-quantum signature standards by 2035. This provides a clear timeline for institutions to adopt quantum-resistant cryptographic measures.

Adding urgency to the issue, an October 2024 report from the South Morning China Post claimed that researchers at Shanghai University had successfully breached cryptographic algorithms using a quantum computer. However, a subsequent analysis by YouTuber "Mental Outlaw" revealed that the quantum computer used in the experiment was only able to break a 22-bit key, far smaller than the 2048–4096-bit keys used in modern encryption. This indicates that current quantum computers are not yet capable of breaking standard encryption protocols.

Despite such claims, experts agree that the threat of quantum computing is still overhyped. The gap between quantum computers’ ability to factor numbers and the size of encryption keys used in modern cryptography remains significant. Therefore, while the quantum threat is real, it is not yet an immediate concern for most encryption systems.

Preparing for Post-Quantum Security

Dr. Fan's research highlights the importance of a smooth and user-friendly transition to post-quantum security standards. With the deadline looming, the Ethereum community and other blockchain networks must prepare for the eventuality of quantum computing by integrating quantum-resistant technologies like hash-based zero-knowledge proofs. These efforts will ensure the continued security and usability of blockchain systems in a post-quantum world.