Developers on Ripple’s XRP Ledger (XRPL) revealed progress in making networks quantum resilient. That’s because some Bitcoin supporters and developers are downplaying the immediate risks posed by quantum computing, saying it’s unlikely to become a problem any time soon.
Ripple’s XRP ledger runs on quantum-resistant code
In Post XVet, Ripple’s XRP Ledger validator, revealed that developers are already working on it quantum resistant code online. This came as he turned his attention to fully quantum-resistant XRPL, including consensus, which is currently on the testnet. This represents progress for the network, even if it has achieved something that networks like Bitcoin still lag behind.
The vet pointed out that creating a quantization-resistant XRP ledger may have some downsides for the network. He stated that one of the disadvantages of these encryptions is the size of the signatures. He shared a video showing that transaction signatures for payment on quantum XRPL are much longer than on XRPL mainnet.
This discovery was followed by a post from a vet XRPL laboratories engineer Dennis Angell that AlphaNet, the development network for XRPL, is now fully quantum secure. Angell mentioned that the testnet now has quantum consensus, quantum accounts, quantum transactions, and dilithium cryptography. He then noted that they added native clever contracts while declaring that a quantum-resistant blockchain future already exists.
Notably, this move comes as Ripple and XRP Ledger look to bring more institutions onto the network. Concerns about quantum computing are growing, including: Bitcoin in the spotlight at this time because developers have not yet made significant progress in ensuring the flagship crypto-quantum immunity.
Following the XRP Ledger’s progress in creating a quantum-resistant network, cryptocurrency expert – Jenna asked the possibility that Bitcoin investors sell their BTC because it is not quantum resistant and then buy XRP because it is more secure. Another expert, Mickle, also noticed how the XRP ledger is already largely resistant to quantum computing, while Bitcoin users argue over whether quantum computing is real or not.
Why working on quantum-resistant transactions matters
In Post Xcryptocurrency expert Sandip noted that blockchains such as Bitcoin, XRP Ledger, and Ethereum are based on ECDSA cryptography. This puts them at risk because a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could theoretically break them in the future. He further noted that testing this early ensures that the network is future-proof quantum computers become powerful enough to break these networks.
Meanwhile, Sandip explained that these XRP Ledger Developers they test optional and updatable signature schemes. This will enable wallets and validators to support post-quantum keys later. It also enables polished migration before quantum risks become real. The expert added that this is long-term infrastructure planning and not price manipulation, as it puts XRPL ahead of many competitors, including Bitcoin.
Venture capitalist Nic Carter, who has been very vocal about quantum risk for Bitcoin, did just that explained why it’s essential to start preparing for this risk now. He stressed that there are several decisions and processes that need to be made if developers are to successfully ensure that the flagship cryptocurrency is quantum-resistant.
Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com
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