On Ethereum’s 10th anniversary, developer Justin Drake discussed quantum computing and how it could threaten ETH. He called for “lean Ethereum” to efficiently marshal tremendous resources to counter the threat.
Specifically, Drake believes that hash-based cryptography should take over the entire L1, from signatures to zkVMs and more. A lot of his discussion was highly technical,
How Will Ethereum Counter Quantum Computers?
Ethereum, one of the biggest crypto projects in the industry, celebrated its tenth anniversary this week. This has been a moment for reflection on the protocol’s contributions, but also a chance to look towards the future.
Today, senior Ethereum Foundation (EF) researcher Justin Drake described his own vision, and it focuses on quantum computers:
Essentially, Drake posits that quantum computing will provide major challenges to Ethereum in the future. Heralded as “crypto’s doomsday,” quantum computers specialize in foiling the most sophisticated encryption methods.
The technology isn’t quite able to crack the crypto industry open yet, but advancements may happen in the next decade.
To be clear, many core team members share this view. Vitalik Buterin unveiled The Splurge last year, representing Ethereum’s proactive defenses against quantum computing.
After the 10-year anniversary, Bitget’s Usi Zade also drew attention to this impending risk. Drake’s solution isn’t fully realized, but he has a clear vision for approaching the problem.
Drake claims that a series of cryptography upgrades he calls “lean Ethereum” is the key to defeating quantum computing. This involves, for one thing, stunning new technical capabilities.
To meet the challenge, ETH should handle one billion gas per second and 10,000 TPS on the base layer, and one trillion gas per second and one million TPS on the L-2.
However, that’s not where the leanness comes in. Ethereum needs to continue operating its ecosystem in a decentralized and efficient manner while countering the threat of quantum computing.
Plus, it’s not like this technology is the only threat. Ethereum still needs to be anti-fragile and resistant to nation-states’ interference.
This system must therefore be elegant; “an aesthetic, an art form, a craft,” Drake claimed. He said that hash-based cryptography is the answer.
Of course, this technology isn’t fully realized either, and it may be beyond our scope to get into the weeds here.
Suffice it to say that hash-based cryptography could keep Ethereum’s blockchain performing normally while the execution layer maintains quantum resistance. But it will require a bone-deep restructuring. Brute force simply won’t meet the challenge.
For now, quantum computing is a long way away from defeating Ethereum’s cryptography. Drake and his colleagues hope to keep it that way.
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