Why Quantum Computing Forces Ethereum to Think Decades Ahead

[madtrader]

Quantum computing introduces a new kind of uncertainty into cryptography — not because a breakthrough is guaranteed, but because no one knows when it might happen. Even National Institute of Standards and Technology stresses that predicting the moment quantum machines could break today’s cryptography is impossible. Yet cryptographic migrations historically take 10–20 years, which makes waiting until the last minute an unacceptable risk.

This is why standards bodies are acting early. NIST finalized its first post-quantum cryptography standards in 2024, and the National Cyber Security Centre now treats migration as a deadline-driven project. For Ethereum, the challenge isn’t flipping a switch — it’s ensuring the network can transition its security assumptions gradually, without relying on emergency coordination or trust in a small group of rescuers.

[nihalsari]

quantum risk isn’t about panic, it’s about timelines ppl ignore