Experts: Solana, Sui, and Near are resistant to quantum threats.

Modern blockchains like Solana, Sui, and Near are more secure against the threat of quantum computers than Bitcoin and Ethereum. This conclusion was reached by analysts at Mysten Labs.

The networks of the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization operate on ECDSA, which is theoretically vulnerable to quantum attacks. Shor's algorithm can recover private keys based on public ones. The security of ECDSA also depends on the quality of randomness in signature generation — this creates risks in case of implementation errors.

EdDSA in Solana, Sui, and Near is more secure: it uses Edwards curves, does not require random numbers for signatures, and is easier to adapt to post-quantum cryptography.

Post-Quantum Cryptographic Standards

According to Kostas Halkias, co-founder of Mysten Labs, quantum computers "could destroy all modern cryptography." Therefore, the pressure on blockchains is increasing — now also from corporations.

Large companies and entire states are increasingly forming Bitcoin and Ethereum reserves. They also have to think about how to secure their investments.

"Governments are well aware of the risks associated with quantum computing. Various agencies around the world have already issued mandates that old encryption systems like ECDSA and RSA should be phased out by 2030 or 2035," Halkeas said in a comment to Decrypt.

Quantum computer: who is illuminated by the analog-digital chandelier?

Possible Difficulties

Currently, quantum computers are not powerful enough to hack Bitcoin and Ethereum networks. However, it is time to prepare now, noted Professor of Computer Science at San Jose State University Ahmed Banafa.

Transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms will require a hard fork, including a change of addresses and the migration of funds. However, the expert acknowledged that the likelihood of such an upgrade is low due to disagreements within the community.

"This is reminiscent of the Ethereum hard fork in 2015 [when Ethereum Classic emerged]. One can assume that a similar situation will occur with Bitcoin: some users will begin to insist on a different approach and will not follow the proposed updates"

Another obstacle is the huge number of wallets created in the networks of the two largest cryptocurrencies.

"The main difficulty will be in the implementation. If users do not update or secure their accounts, they could pose a threat to the entire blockchain. And if they end up losing funds as a result, they will try to blame the network," said Banafa.

Recall that in July, a group of developers found a way to protect Bitcoin from potential threats posed by quantum computers.