Ethereum’s 10th anniversaryY, developer Justin Drake discussed quantum computing and how to threaten ETH. He sought “lean Ethereum” to efficiently undo the incredible resources to counter the threat.
Specifically, Drake believes that hash-based encryption should take over the entire L1, from signatures to ZKVM and more. Much of his argument was very technical,
How does Ethereum counter quantum computers?
Ethereum, one of the largest crypto projects in the industry, celebrated its 10th anniversary this week. This was a moment to consider the contributions of the protocol, but it also gives us an opportunity to look to the future.
Today, Justin Drake, a researcher at the Senior Ethereum Foundation (EF), describes his own vision, which focuses on quantum computers.
Essentially, Drake assumes that Quantum Computing will present a major challenge for future Ethereum. Quantum computers, announced as “Crypto’s Doomsday,” specialize in blocking the most sophisticated methods of encryption.
The technology still can’t crack the crypto industry open yet, but progress could be made over the next decade.
To be clear, many core team members share this view. Vitalik Buterin announced his splurge last year, representing Ethereum’s aggressive defense against quantum computing.
After the 10th anniversary, Bitget’s Usi Zade also turned his attention to this imminent risk. Drake’s solution has not been fully realized, but he has a clear vision for approaching the problem.
Drake argues that a series of cryptographic upgrades he calls “Lean Ethereum” is the key to defeating quantum computing. This includes, for one, amazing new technical capabilities.
To address the challenge, ETH will need to process 1 billion gas in the second layer, 10,000 TPS and 1 trillion gases and 1 million TPS in L-2.
But it’s not a lean place. Ethereum needs to continue operating its ecosystem in a distributed and efficient way, combating the threat of quantum computing.
Moreover, this technology is not necessarily the only threat. Ethereum still needs to be rebellious and resistant to nation-state interference.
Therefore, this system must be elegant. “Aesthetics, art form, craft,” Drake argued. He said hash-based ciphers are the answer.
Of course, this technology hasn’t been fully realized either, and may be beyond the scope of getting into the weed here.
It is sufficient to say that hash-based encryption can make Ethereum blockchain work properly while the execution layer maintains quantum resistance. However, this requires deep restructuring of the bones. Brute force simply doesn’t address the challenge.
For now, quantum computing is far from defeating Ethereum encryption. Drake and his colleagues hope to keep it that way.
Post Ethereum prepares quantum computers with the latest upgrades that first appeared in Beincrypto.
