Ethereum Foundation Shifts Focus to Security by Targeting 128-bit Standard by 2026

TLDR

• Ethereum Foundation targets 128-bit security by 2026, marking a shift in focus.
• zkEVM teams must use official tools to measure real security levels by 2026.
• The roadmap includes unified security assessment and 100-bit security in 2026.
• Ethereum’s strategic move aims for smaller proofs and enhanced blockchain security.

The Ethereum Foundation has announced a major shift in its development priorities, moving from optimizing transaction speed to a more robust focus on security. The foundation set a “non-negotiable” target of achieving 128-bit provable security by the end of 2026. This move aims to fortify Ethereum’s blockchain security, reinforcing its infrastructure against growing cybersecurity risks in the decentralized space.

Ethereum’s Shift in Development Priorities

Historically, Ethereum has been driven by speed and scalability improvements. However, as the blockchain ecosystem matures and security threats become more complex, Ethereum is now prioritizing long-term reliability over immediate performance gains. The foundation’s new goal involves achieving a security standard of 128 bits by 2026, with significant milestones to track progress along the way.

Ethereum’s scaling solution, zkEVM (zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine), will play a critical role in this transition. zkEVM teams are now required to use official Ethereum tools to assess the security levels of their deployments. This strict requirement ensures that security is consistently measured and verified, pushing the platform closer to its 128-bit target.

The Roadmap for Enhanced Blockchain Security

Ethereum’s roadmap for reaching this security target includes three distinct phases. In early 2026, Ethereum will roll out a unified security assessment, marking the first step toward full security verification. By mid-2026, the foundation aims to reach at least 100-bit security, laying the groundwork for the final 128-bit milestone by year-end. This progression is designed to ensure a smooth transition to more secure blockchain infrastructure while maintaining compatibility with the Ethereum network’s current functionality.

The introduction of smaller proofs is a key part of this plan, which will make Ethereum transactions more efficient without compromising security. The Ethereum Foundation’s aggressive stance on achieving robust security is a clear signal of its commitment to making Ethereum a safer platform for decentralized applications (dApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi) services.

Rising Momentum and Market Implications

Ethereum’s focus on security has been met with positive feedback from the market. Michaël van de Poppe, a prominent crypto analyst, shared his outlook on Ethereum’s price potential. He noted that Ethereum has seen a steady increase in buying pressure, as shown by a higher low on its relative strength index (RSI), despite price action making lower lows.

This divergence indicates that sellers are stepping back, which has historically preceded significant price rallies, including a previous 27% surge earlier this quarter.

Furthermore, Ethereum’s price has rebounded from its December lows, recovering over 10% as of press time. With the price currently hovering above the $3,000 mark, Ethereum is poised to test critical resistance levels around $3,470. A clean break above this level could signal further upward momentum, with potential targets at $3,660 and $3,910, key resistance zones from earlier this quarter.

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