Ethereum Foundation Races Against Quantum Threat with 2029 Security Upgrade
The Ethereum Foundation has identified quantum-computing attacks as its top priority and is working towards upgrading the network's security framework by December 2029. This move comes after considering forecasts that predict quantum machines capable of breaking existing cryptography could emerge as early as 2030.
The foundation plans to complete a series of hard forks, starting with five, to apply post-quantum cryptography and upgrade wallets, validator signature methods, and public-key management systems in stages. The first major step will be the Hegotá upgrade next year, which will lay the groundwork for subsequent hard forks.
The current cryptographic system is not yet threatened by quantum computers, but the foundation wants to be proactive in addressing this potential vulnerability. The timeline will be reviewed again in January after an outside expert review assesses the progress made so far.