Ethereum Developers Push Quantum-Resistance Plans for ETH Network

TLDR

• Ethereum researcher Justin Drake has proposed “Lean Ethereum” to make the network quantum-resistant and simpler
• The plan includes zero-knowledge VMs, data availability sampling, and a RISC-V framework
• Vitalik Buterin outlined a separate roadmap targeting four quantum vulnerabilities: validator signatures, data availability, wallet signatures, and ZK proofs
• Buterin proposes switching from BLS to hash-based signatures and upgrading wallets via EIP-8141
• The Ethereum Foundation has set up a dedicated post-quantum research team

Ethereum is facing a long-term threat from quantum computers. While no quantum machine can break its cryptography today, that could change, and developers are already working on fixes.

Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake published a proposal called “Lean Ethereum.” The plan targets three parts of the network: the consensus layer, data layer, and execution layer.

Drake wants to use zero-knowledge powered virtual machines to quantum-proof the execution layer. These verify data on-chain without exposing the underlying content.

He also called for data availability sampling. This technique checks small random pieces of a block rather than downloading the full block, reducing storage demands while keeping blocks accurate.

Drake proposed adopting a RISC-V framework for the consensus layer. This is a simplified set of computer instructions that reduces attack surfaces and potential backdoors into the network.

Developers have long criticized Ethereum for being too technically complex. Drake’s proposal is partly a response to that, aiming to simplify the tech stack alongside adding quantum protections.

Buterin’s Quantum Roadmap

Separately, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin posted his own roadmap on X outlining four areas vulnerable to quantum attack.

The first is validator signatures. Ethereum currently uses BLS signatures to confirm blocks. Buterin recommends switching to hash-based signatures, which are considered safer against quantum computers.

The second is Ethereum’s data availability system, which uses KZG commitments. Buterin says replacing these with quantum-safe alternatives is possible but would require heavy engineering work.

Third are everyday wallet signatures. Most wallets today rely on one standard signature type. Buterin’s proposed fix is EIP-8141, an upgrade that would let accounts switch to quantum-safe signature types in the future.

The fourth area is zero-knowledge proofs used by privacy tools and layer-2 networks. Quantum-safe versions of these proofs are currently more expensive to verify on Ethereum.

Buterin pointed to a feature in EIP-8141 called “validation frames” as a longer-term cost solution. This would bundle many signatures and proofs into a single compressed proof, reducing the number of individual checks the blockchain needs to make.

Industry Response

Vitalik Buterin had already called in May for simplifying Ethereum’s tech stack to match Bitcoin’s architectural simplicity. He said excess technical development had led to security risks and bloated research costs.

IoTeX head of cryptography XinXin Fan has separately proposed hash-based zero-knowledge proofs to quantum-proof the full network without affecting user experience.

The Ethereum Foundation recently established a dedicated post-quantum research team to study these vulnerabilities ahead of any practical quantum threat.

Buterin’s latest roadmap was published on February 26, 2026, shortly after that research team was announced.

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