Ripple Prepares XRP Ledger for Quantum-Ready Upgrade through 2028
Ripple is preparing its XRP Ledger (XRPL) for potential threats from quantum computers through a four-stage security plan by 2028. The upgrade aims to test new security tools and gradually transition the network, giving users and developers time to adapt.
The concern is that powerful quantum computers could break elliptic curve cryptography used by many blockchain networks, including Bitcoin. Ripple's applied cryptography team is working on the upgrade led by Ayo Akinyele, Senior Director of Engineering.
The four-phase plan includes an emergency system in case of unexpected breaks in current cryptography, testing of new security methods, parallel deployment of quantum-safe and existing cryptography on Devnet and Testnet, and a mainnet upgrade by 2028. XRPL already has tools that could facilitate a future move to post-quantum security.
Ripple is optimizing its roadmap for two goals: preserving XRPL strengths today while working on the post-quantum crypto transition. The next focus is continued testing through 2026, with the full protocol migration targeted for 2028.