On Ethereum\u2019s 10th anniversary,\u00a0developer Justin Drake discussed quantum computing and how it could threaten ETH. He called for \u201clean Ethereum\u201d to efficiently marshal tremendous resources to counter the threat. <\/p>\n
Specifically, Drake believes that hash-based cryptography should take over the entire L1, from signatures to zkVMs and more. A lot of his discussion was highly technical, <\/p>\n
How Will Ethereum Counter Quantum Computers?<\/p>\n
Ethereum, one of the biggest crypto projects in the industry<\/a>, celebrated its tenth anniversary<\/a> this week. This has been a moment for reflection on the protocol\u2019s contributions<\/a>, but also a chance to look towards the future. <\/p>\n Today, senior Ethereum Foundation (EF) researcher Justin Drake described his own vision<\/a>, and it focuses on quantum computers:<\/p>\n Yesterday Ethereum turned 10. Today, lean Ethereum is unveiled as a vision\u2014and personal mission\u2014for the next 10 years.<\/p>\n We stand at the dawn of a new era. Millions of TPS. Quantum adversaries. How does Ethereum marry extreme performance with uncompromising security<\/a> and\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Justin Drake (@drakefjustin) July 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Essentially, Drake posits that quantum computing will provide major challenges to Ethereum in the future. Heralded as \u201ccrypto\u2019s doomsday,\u201d<\/a> quantum computers specialize in foiling the most sophisticated encryption methods<\/a>. <\/p>\n The technology isn\u2019t quite able to crack the crypto industry open yet, but advancements may happen in the next decade.<\/p>\n To be clear, many core team members<\/a> share this view. Vitalik Buterin unveiled The Splurge<\/a> last year, representing Ethereum\u2019s proactive defenses against quantum computing. <\/p>\n After the 10-year anniversary, Bitget\u2019s Usi Zade also drew attention to this impending risk<\/a>. Drake\u2019s solution isn\u2019t fully realized, but he has a clear vision for approaching the problem.<\/p>\n Drake claims that a series of cryptography upgrades he calls \u201clean Ethereum\u201d is the key to defeating quantum computing. This involves, for one thing, stunning new technical capabilities. <\/p>\n To meet the challenge, ETH should handle one billion gas per second and 10,000 TPS on the base layer, and one trillion gas per second and one million TPS on the L-2.<\/p>\n However, that\u2019s not where the leanness comes in. Ethereum needs to continue operating its ecosystem in a decentralized and efficient manner while countering the threat of quantum computing. <\/p>\n Plus, it\u2019s not like this technology is the only threat. Ethereum still needs to be anti-fragile and resistant to nation-states\u2019 interference.<\/p>\n This system must therefore be elegant; \u201can aesthetic, an art form, a craft,\u201d Drake claimed. He said that hash-based cryptography is the answer. <\/p>\n Of course, this technology isn\u2019t fully realized either, and it may be beyond our scope to get into the weeds here. <\/p>\n Suffice it to say that hash-based cryptography could keep Ethereum\u2019s blockchain performing normally while the execution layer maintains quantum resistance. But it will require a bone-deep restructuring. Brute force simply won\u2019t meet the challenge.<\/p>\n For now, quantum computing is a long way away from defeating Ethereum\u2019s cryptography. Drake and his colleagues hope to keep it that way. <\/p>\n Disclaimer<\/p>\n In adherence to the Trust Project<\/a> guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our\u00a0Terms and Conditions<\/a>,\u00a0Privacy Policy<\/a>, and\u00a0Disclaimers<\/a>\u00a0have been updated.<\/p>\n