Algorand, Aptos Lead Blockchains on Quantum Readiness

Coinbase’s Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain released a report finding that most major blockchains are not adequately prepared for a future in which powerful quantum computers could break the elliptic-curve cryptography that secures digital assets. The board said such machines do not yet exist and estimated a capability large enough to threaten networks is likely at least a decade away.

The report assessed technical readiness and migration options and identified Algorand and Aptos as the networks best positioned to move to post-quantum signatures. Coinbase’s chief security officer Phillip Martin warned: “Your crypto is safe today. But a quantum computer capable of threatening blockchain cryptography will eventually be built, and the industry needs to start preparing now, not when it’s urgent.”

Algorand was credited for early adoption of quantum-resistant cryptography. The report noted the network offers tools that let users create quantum-resistant accounts without protocol changes, recorded its first quantum-resistant transaction on mainnet, and published a step-by-step plan toward broader readiness. The board also flagged remaining research topics, including potential vulnerabilities in Algorand’s block proposal and committee voting processes.

Aptos was highlighted for storing public keys as account information rather than deriving addresses from keys. The advisory board said that design could allow a user to replace an authentication key in a single transaction instead of moving funds between accounts.

The report identified larger proof-of-stake chains, including Ethereum and Solana, as more exposed because validator signature systems could become targets once quantum computers reach sufficient scale. The paper noted both chains are pursuing fixes: Solana has implemented a new signature scheme to enable moving tokens to new addresses, and Ethereum developers have outlined a roadmap for quantum-resistant signature improvements.

The report described emerging infrastructure to test post-quantum signatures. The Swiss-based QoreChain Association launched a production-grade testnet implementing NIST-standard Dilithium-5 signatures and using Federal Information Processing Standards for signatures and key exchange. Coinbase drew a distinction between projects that have made technical changes to support NIST-standard signatures today, such as Algorand and Aptos, and older networks that remain at the planning stage.

The advisory board recommended that custodians, wallet providers and users develop and rehearse migration strategies well before quantum hardware presents a real threat. The report warned that unmigrated assets could require revocation to prevent exploitation by a future quantum attacker and that migrating large holdings on networks like Ethereum could be costly and slow if the quantum timeline accelerates.