Ripple Prepares for Quantum-Secure XRP Ledger as Threats Loom Closer

Ripple's XRP Ledger is preparing for a potential migration to post-quantum cryptography, but the real challenge lies ahead. According to Ayo Akinyele, Senior Director of Engineering at RippleX, the goal is not to wait until quantum computing becomes an immediate threat.

The XRP Ledger currently relies on elliptic-curve signatures, which can be vulnerable to quantum computer attacks. However, XRPL accounts can rotate keys without replacing the account itself, reducing the need for users to create new addresses or transfer assets during migration.

Ripple is targeting full post-quantum readiness by 2028 and has outlined two possible migration scenarios: a planned transition with an emergency route available if quantum hardware advances faster than expected. The new code must be supported by at least 80% of trusted validators for two weeks before activation on mainnet.

Ripple is currently comparing several NIST-standardized signature schemes against real XRP Ledger workloads, including Devnet benchmarking and validator tests. Candidate post-quantum signatures are expected to operate beside the existing systems during this stage, allowing service providers time to update their signing infrastructure before classical signatures are retired.