Dr. XinXin Fan, an IoTeX encryption expert, recently proposed a solution using zero-knowledge technology zk-STARKs to help Ethereum defend against quantum threats. This research has gained international recognition and is considered one of the beneficial quantum protection solutions for users.
What is the threat of quantum computers?
The threat of quantum computers lies in their 'superior computing power' which can potentially break existing encryption technologies, such as RSA and blockchain encryption, leading to the leakage of online transactions and user personal information. Additionally, it could alter national security and military dynamics, potentially triggering information warfare and even disrupting global financial and security systems. Therefore, there is a need to develop new quantum-safe encryption technologies to counter these threats.
(Note: RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm used to establish secure connections and create digital signatures, a type of asymmetric cryptography that requires public and private keys.)
Quantum computers threaten existing encryption standards, leading to the emergence of hash zero-knowledge technology.
Currently, tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM are actively researching quantum computer technology. However, the powerful computing capabilities of quantum computers pose a potential threat to current encryption standards, particularly blockchain systems based on Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), which are considered vulnerable to quantum attacks due to their transaction signature mechanisms.
Dr. Fan and his team presented research at the 2024 International Blockchain Conference, which indicates that hash zero-knowledge technology (such as zk-STARK) designed to maintain a high level of protection even against the powerful computing capabilities of quantum computers can be applied to Ethereum transactions, defending the system against quantum threats. This method emphasizes security while also considering user experience, allowing users to enjoy quantum-protected transactions without changing wallets.
The image proposed in Dr. Fan's research is the ZK verification service model.
(Note: The Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) is used to verify the authenticity and integrity of messages without exposing the private key, commonly applied in blockchain, electronic signatures, and network security. zk-STARK can provide fast proofs and verifications without the need for 'initial proofs', and can quickly handle large amounts of data and transactions, making it suitable for large applications while effectively defending against quantum attacks using hash functions and polynomials.)
Vitalik stated that simple hard forks and wallet upgrades can easily defend against quantum attacks.
Furthermore, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik has indicated that if Ethereum were to face a quantum attack, a very simple hard fork and wallet upgrade could be implemented to respond to the attack, requiring users only to update their wallet software, with most users' funds remaining unaffected. Vitalik also stated that this solution can be activated at any time to quickly respond to quantum attacks.
The image illustrates how Ethereum can defend against quantum attacks, suggesting that the hype around the quantum crisis may exaggerate real risks.
Although discussions regarding the threat of quantum computers are emerging, some experts believe that current quantum computer capabilities are still insufficient to shake modern encryption standards. According to reports, researchers at Shanghai University successfully cracked a set of encryption algorithms using quantum computers.
However, a YouTuber pointed out that the cracking experiment conducted by Shanghai University was against a 22-bit key, whereas the current encryption standard key length ranges from 2048 to 4096 bits, indicating that current quantum computer technology is still a long way from truly breaking modern encryption standards.
Many experts also believe that the current threat posed by quantum computers is somewhat exaggerated, but companies must prepare in advance to deal with potential quantum threats that may arise in the future.
(What if Ethereum faces a quantum attack? Vitalik: Don't worry)
This article discusses how zk-STARK technology helps Ethereum achieve quantum protection, with experts suggesting that the quantum crisis may be exaggerated, first appearing in Chain News ABMedia.
