Ethereum wants to move faster to new security against quantum computers

Ethereum (ETH) wants to arm itself faster against the threat of quantum computers. According to developer Justin Drake, the network may be able to fully switch to new security technology as early as the end of 2028. That's a year ahead of the Ethereum Foundation's official schedule.

Quantum computers do not pose a direct threat for the time being, but could break the security of crypto coins in the future. Ethereum wants to prevent the network from being insufficiently prepared for this.

Drake presented his plans Tuesday at the opening of Devcon 8 in Mumbai, India. The Ethereum Foundation researcher wants the network to be protected against future threats from quantum computers and artificial intelligence by December 2028 at the latest.

In doing so, he raises the bar higher than the Ethereum Foundation itself. It has December 2029 as the official target date for the switch to quantum-proof security.

The rush has everything to do with the possible development of increasingly powerful quantum computers. They could eventually crack certain cryptographic techniques that secure digital wallets and transactions.

The moment when quantum computers are able to do this is also called Q-day. No one knows exactly when that will happen. The Ethereum Foundation therefore takes into account a scenario in which quantum computers already pose a serious threat by 2030.

To stay ahead of that threat, Ethereum needs to be adjusted in several ways. Developers are working on new digital signatures and transaction systems that must be able to withstand attacks with quantum computers.

The changes affect three key parts of the network: the processing of transactions, the control of the network and the storage of data.

This complicates the transition. The new security cannot be implemented with a single update, but requires several major adjustments to Ethereum.

According to the original planning, the Glamsterdam update, which is expected around December 2026, will be followed by about five major network updates.

In January 2027, the Ethereum Foundation wants to reassess the state of preparations together with external quantum experts.

Drake's ambition does not mean that the official schedule has changed for the time being. December 2029 remains the target date for the Ethereum Foundation, while developers are trying to complete the switch a year earlier.