Ethereum is protecting itself against the threat of quantum computing

Ethereum is beginning to seriously prepare for a threat that sounds futuristic today, but could be very real in a few decades: quantum computing.

What's the problem?

Blockchains like Ethereum use elliptic curve cryptography to protect private keys and sign transactions. With current computers, this is virtually impossible to break, but a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could:

• Calculate private keys from public keys.

• Forge signatures.

• Steal funds from old addresses.

• Compromise smart contracts and validators.

It's not something that will happen tomorrow, but when it does, the impact would be catastrophic if the network isn't prepared.

What is Ethereum doing?

The Ethereum Foundation has decided to get ahead of the curve and "fortify" the network with several measures:

1. Post-quantum cryptography
   New signature algorithms that cannot be broken even by quantum computers are being researched and tested, such as those based on mathematical networks (lattices) and advanced hash functions.

2. Dedicated quantum security team
   A group of cryptographers and engineers has been formed, dedicated exclusively to designing how to migrate Ethereum without breaking compatibility with current accounts.

3. Gradual migration of accounts and validators
   The idea is that, in the future, addresses will be able to use "quantum-secure" signatures and that users will move their funds to these new keys before the threat becomes real.

4. Protocol-level changes
   It won't just be an app or a wallet: the change will be part of the core of Ethereum, including consensus mechanisms, validators, and contracts.

Why is this important?

Because Ethereum doesn't want to react when it's too late. Quantum computing is advancing slowly, but when it takes off, it will do so suddenly. Preparing a global blockchain takes years of testing, audits, and consensus-building.

In short: Ethereum is building today the cryptographic defenses it will need in 10 or 20 years, so that when the quantum era arrives, the network will remain secure and users' funds will not be at risk.

_{Posted using SteemX}