Tron’s post-quantum cryptography live on testnet

In a Saturday post on X, Sun wrote that Tron was monitoring developments in quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The network was preparing to add quantum resistance to its mainnet when needed, he wrote.

“We’re committed to keeping user assets secure, and TRON is set to be one of the few major blockchains that is quantum-resistant before Q-Day,” Sun wrote. Q-Day refers to the point at which quantum computers could break widely used cryptographic systems.

Post-quantum cryptography is designed to protect digital signatures and other security tools from sufficiently powerful quantum computers. Bitcoin, Ethereum and many other blockchain networks use elliptic-curve cryptography to secure transactions and control access to funds. Researchers have warned that future quantum computers could eventually compromise those systems.

In July, blockchain security company AmericanFortress published a proposal for protecting existing crypto wallets from quantum attacks. The company said its approach could add post-quantum protection without requiring users to move funds, rotate keys or change wallet addresses. The proposal was published in the Cryptology ePrint Archive and had not undergone peer review.

Other blockchain developers have been preparing for the potential threat. A consortium led by Strategy pledged $15 million earlier this year for Bitcoin quantum-security research. The Ethereum Foundation published a proposal for moving accounts to quantum-resistant cryptography, while Algorand has outlined plans to introduce quantum-resistant accounts by 2027.