"Prevent quantum computer attacks"...Solana · Aptos accelerate building security defenses

The virtual asset (cryptocurrency) industry is taking preemptive measures against the future threat of 'quantum computers.' As quantum computing technology has moved from theory to a tangible risk this year, major blockchain foundations have rushed to build defensive systems.

The Solana Foundation announced on the 16th (local time) that it has begun testing quantum-resistant cryptographic technology in collaboration with quantum security firm Project Eleven. The foundation said, "Although quantum computers are not yet commercialized, Solana is preparing for future possibilities," and added, "Together with Project Eleven, we checked the network's 'quantum readiness.'"

Solana developers applied a quantum-resistant digital signature technology to a testnet and ran simulations. The core goal was to verify whether it can defend against computational attacks by quantum computers without degrading the existing network performance.

Matt Sog, Solana Foundation's VP of Technology, said, "Our responsibility is to keep Solana secure not only today but decades from now," adding, "This project is a concrete first step to secure the network's long-term resilience." Solana also strengthened security in January by adopting the one-time hash-based signature technology 'Winternitz Vault.'

Aptos is also busy preparing countermeasures. The Aptos community has recently discussed a proposal called 'AIP-137.' If passed, Aptos would adopt the SLH-DSA, a quantum-resistant signature technology standardized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). However, Aptos Labs plans to offer this not as a forced network migration but as an option users can choose, balancing efficiency and security.

The industry has long expressed concerns that if quantum computers become advanced, existing public-key cryptographic algorithms could be rendered ineffective and private keys to virtual asset wallets could be stolen. Discussions on this issue are active among developers of major blockchains such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Zcash (ZEC).

However, there is also substantial caution about the timing of a 'quantum doomsday.' Adam Back, a core Bitcoin developer and co-founder of Blockstream, warned against excessive fear, saying, "In the short term the risk is close to zero, and it will take decades before it becomes an actual threat." He nevertheless judged that "while there are many unresolved physical challenges, preparing for 'quantum readiness' in advance is a rational choice."