In a live broadcast entitled “Post-Qantum Cardano”, the founder of Ada, Charles Hoskinson, established a road map to make blockchain resistant to quantum. His comments appear among the rapid development of equipment for quantum computers, including the breakthrough of Microsoft and other technical heavyweight, as well as newly issued US government standards for post-quantum cryptography.
Hoskinson opened session Emphasizing the accelerating pace of progress in quantum calculations: “The quantum computer world does not heat up, and many magical amazing things are happening … I believe that in 5-10 years we will probably do significant progress to such an extent that we really have to start thinking about updating and modernization of cryptography. “
He also pointed to the latest actions of the American National Institute of Standards and Technology (Nist), which in August 2024 finished several encryption standards after the quarters to start running the industry ahead: “It turns out that it is not only my faith-this is mine belief-this is not only my faith-this is my belief in the belief of the government of the United States […] The National Institute of Standards and Technology (Nist) has gathered proactively […] And they created some standards. “
Nist has published recent federal information processing standards (FIPS) numbered 203, 204, 205 and 206, which define algorithms to support quantum attacks. Hoskinson noticed this importance for the global cryptographic community, because these standards will probably stimulate the manufacturers of the equipment to include specialized circuits that can more effectively support post-quantum algorithms.
Currently, the Cardano safety model – like most of the main blockchains – is strongly based on the cryptography of the elliptical curve. Hoskinson warned that the Sorra algorithm that can work on gigantic quantum computers is a theoretical threat to such elliptical curve systems:
“The problem is that we have this thing called Sorra algorithm […] If you have a quantum computer, it can secure safety [elliptic curve] […] So many people in the blockchain space say: “Well, we have a signature scheme for quantum, so we’re good.” But that couldn’t be further than the truth. “
He emphasized that security in the post-quantic world goes beyond the exchange of one signature scheme for another. Instead, Blockchains must define comprehensive security models that wonder what opponents will have to encounter-a fiddler with a quantum computer also has possibilities such as side attacks, hardware infiltration, and even “offline” brutal strength against the older, stored data.
Three -stage Cardano plan
Hoskinson has established a clear, three -phase approach to Cardano WW passage full of a quantum system resistant to the coming years.
1. Develop a quantum model
Cardano’s basic cryptographic protocols must be controlled in relation to the “canonical quantum opponent”. This means a systematic review of each algorithm for potential susceptibility after the appearance of a talented quantum computer.
“First of all, we need to develop a safe quantum model for Cardano, end to the end, so Cardano uses all algorithms and ask which of them are sensitive […] This is the same in itself an interesting question, because in the cryptographic community there are different opinions about what we should assume that he can do a quantum opponent, “said Hoskinson.
2. Separate Cardano into two chains
Then Hoskinson proposed to create a separate evidence after the “Meta” quantity, which can be used as an unchanging control point system for the main Cardano chain. “You want to divide Cardano into two pieces: it’s Cardano [main chain] […] Then we have a chain of proof […] Basically, it acts as a diary of history, so you have an unforgivable system with signatures related to the original history. Over time, this can become a programmable evidence. “
He pointed to the existing Mithrila technology – Cardano to generate compact state certificates – as a potential starting point. The Mithril update using the post-quantic signature scheme would create a protected companion of the classic main chain based on an elliptical curve without immediate disturbance of its performance.
Hoskinson also mentioned recent innovations, such as Lattice Fold Plus – a compact “assembly system” of Dana Boneh and Binau Chen scientists – which can offer powerful cryptographic tools for this future evidence chain.
3. Full integration
Finally, when the recent chain of proof matures and post-castle diagrams become more capable (and gain equipment operation), Cardano can combine these elements into the main chain. “Then the third phase is the final integration […] Because PQSS patterns become more advanced plus […] We can put it in the chain and connect the meta chain and the main chain. “
This last phase would require significant redesign of the basic Cardano protocols, probably considering the extended UTXO model and the conclusion of recent authenticated data structures or book architecture.
Hoskinson warned that post-quantity algorithms are usually 5-10 times slower and give larger signatures than their classic counterparts of the elliptical curve. However, he expressed optimism that equipment manufacturers – designated according to the finalized NIST standards – would take into account specialized circuits to accelerate these recent cryptographic techniques.
“We had to wait for Nist to say:” Yo Dawg, we now have standards ” […] Because now, when there are here, equipment manufacturers will start building non -standard possibilities to speed up [post-quantum signature schemes] Up, “noted Hoskinson.
He also explained that no algorithm remains protected forever in the face of constant progress in calculations. This energetic reality of “cat and mouse” is common in cryptography: “Quantum computers are just another bomb, and Enigma machine is classic cryptography […] This is an eternal journey and they will never stop. “
According to Hoskinson, the time frame of Cardano crossings will probably last for several years:
- 2025–2026: establish a formal research program and define Cardano quantum safety model.
- Intracerexiated (2-3 years): build a chain of evidence after a quantum (e.g. via Mithril), so that the main chain audit and control point.
- Long -term (3+ years): Scal Two chains, take VRF after quantum and signatures in the entire text and probably renew the book model.
Summing up his comments, Hoskinson emphasized the need for cooperation both in the Cardano ecosystem and outside. He expects the discussions to take place at Intesect (The Cardano Runance Enty), the technical control committee (TSC) and with leading cryptographs in institutions such as Stanford, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Edinburgh.
“Cardano is not caught with pants […] We have one of the best cryptographs in the world working on IO […] This is a fundamental thing and each protocol must be systematically checked, “summed up the founder of Cardano.
During the press, ADA traded at USD 0.797.
A highlighted image from YouTube, chart from tradingview.com