The layer-1 blockchain NEAR Protocol is focusing on a post-quantum security challenge beyond just prevention. Its research team warns that quantum computers could not only steal funds but also force protocols to decide whether to freeze all assets. NEAR‘s chief technology officer, Anton Astafiev, suggested zero-knowledge proofs could help verify rightful ownership without revealing sensitive data. Multiple ecosystems, including Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin, are also researching quantum-resistant solutions in response to evolving threats.
The development and research team behind the layer-1 NEAR Protocol said blockchain protocols preparing for quantum computing must also consider verifying ownership if funds are stolen. NEAR Chief Technology Officer Anton Astafiev stated that quantum attacks could make it impossible to tell if a transaction is made by the rightful owner.
“Protocols will face the challenge of deciding to either block all assets at this moment, or enter a wild west,” Astafiev said. He suggested zero-knowledge proof technology could enable rightful owners to demonstrate knowledge of their original seed phrase without revealing sensitive information.
This push follows research by Google and the California Institute of Technology in March suggesting functional quantum computers could arrive sooner than expected. Google claimed quantum computers could potentially break Bitcoin’s cryptography within ten minutes.
Astafiev noted Near One is researching how to solve the problem of transaction ownership verification. NEAR developers are also building a post-quantum-safe signing system for the blockchain, which secures more than $137.6 million in user funds.
One of the first quantum solutions being implemented on NEAR is “FIPS-204,” approved by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology. Other crypto ecosystems are taking swift action on the quantum threat.
The Ethereum Foundation created the Post-Quantum Ethereum team to build quantum solutions into Ethereum at the protocol level by 2029. Two of Solana‘s validator clients, Anza and Firedancer, have implemented a test version of the post-quantum signature solution Falcon.
The Bitcoin community has also begun looking at ways to tackle the quantum problem. Blockstream CEO Adam Back said in April that current quantum computers are “basically lab experiments.” Still, he recommended Bitcoin developers start looking at building quantum solutions.
