Vitalik Buterin Proposes Comprehensive Overhaul of Ethereum's Cryptographic Foundations

Ethereum's cryptographic foundations are facing an existential threat from quantum computers. To counter this risk, the network's co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of its core cryptography.

The plan involves addressing four critical components: consensus-layer BLS signatures, data availability tools known as KZG commitments, the ECDSA signature scheme used by standard user accounts, and zero-knowledge proof systems used by applications and layer-2 networks. Buterin's vision is to replace these vulnerable areas with quantum-resistant alternatives, ensuring the network's security in the face of emerging threats.

The overhaul requires careful planning and engineering work. Buterin emphasized the importance of choosing a robust hash function as part of this process, stating that it may be 'Ethereum's last hash function.' The Ethereum Foundation has already taken steps to address post-quantum security, launching a dedicated team and releasing a seven-fork upgrade plan dubbed the 'Strawmap.'