XRP Ledger Quantum Resistance Plan Unveiled with 2028 Deadline

Ripple has outlined a four-phase plan to make the XRP Ledger quantum-resistant by 2028. The plan comes in response to growing concerns about the threat of quantum computing on blockchain cryptography, with Google setting its own target for post-quantum cryptography at 2029.

The first phase will establish a 'Quantum-Day' contingency, blocking classical signatures and routing holders to quantum-safe accounts if an unexpected cryptographic breakdown occurs. The following phases involve testing algorithms recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, with Ripple partnering with research firm Project Eleven on validator benchmarks and a custody wallet prototype.

According to Ayo Akinyele, senior engineering director at RippleX, there is a 'harvest now, decrypt later' risk for long-term holders. This involves attackers collecting public-key data now and waiting for quantum hardware to catch up. Recent research has shown that around 500,000 physical qubits could derive a private key from an exposed one in nine minutes, a roughly 20-fold cut from earlier estimates.