Ripple Sets Sights on Quantum Resistance by 2028 with XRP Ledger Upgrade

Ripple is taking steps to ensure the XRP Ledger remains secure against the threat of quantum computing, announcing a four-phase roadmap to achieve full quantum-resistance by 2028. According to RippleX senior engineering director Ayo Akinyele, the company aims to address the 'harvest now, decrypt later' risk that allows attackers to collect public-key data and wait for quantum hardware to catch up.

The first phase of the plan establishes a 'Quantum-Day' contingency, which would block classical signatures and route holders to quantum-safe accounts if cryptography breaks unexpectedly. Phases two and three will focus on testing algorithms recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, with Ripple partnering with research firm Project Eleven to develop validator benchmarks and a custody wallet prototype.

The fourth phase proposes a native amendment to the ledger by 2028, which would provide a more comprehensive solution to the quantum threat. This plan is notable as it arrives ahead of Google's own 2029 target for post-quantum cryptography. Ripple has highlighted the importance of addressing this issue, citing research that shows around 500,000 physical qubits could derive a private key from an exposed one in nine minutes.

The XRP Ledger supports native key rotation, allowing users to swap vulnerable keys without moving funds. This feature is particularly relevant given that over 6.9 million Bitcoin sit in wallets with exposed public keys, and the price of XRP has been steadily increasing, trading near $1.43 on Monday amidst a broader market rebound.