Transactions Resistant To Quantum Attacks On Solana
The Solana Foundation has teamed up with Project Eleven, a post-quantum cryptography firm. This is one of the most concrete steps undertaken by a major blockchain to defend against future quantum threats.
As part of the collaboration, Project Eleven carried out a complete quantum risk assessment of the Solana network and constructed a functioning Solana testnet powered by post-quantum digital signatures. According to the statement, fully Solana quantum-resistant transactions can run end-to-end without affecting scalability or usability.
The claim matters because post-quantum encryption has long been criticized for being resource-heavy and impractical for high-performance blockchains like Solana.
What Makes This Breakthrough Important for Blockchain Security
Powerful quantum computers could break the cryptography underpinning modern blockchains, making them susceptible to exploitation. Public-key systems presently employed throughout the networks of the crypto world may become vulnerable, exposing wallets, transactions, and even dormant funds.
According to Project Eleven’s testnet findings, Solana may have the ability to upgrade its cryptographic measures before quantum computers become a real-life threat, rather than responding after being hacked.
Though Solana did not reveal which specific post-quantum standard was selected, other areas made substantial strides around the same time. In August 2024, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officially issued FIPS 203, 204, and 205 post-quantum encryption standards.
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Post-Quantum Security Cost
Performance remains a key issue. In 2024, Cloudflare benchmarked FIPS 204 against other crypto systems like Ed25519, which Solana uses.
Key outcomes included:
- Signing of FIPS 204 was five times more costly
- Verification proceeded at twice the speed of Ed25519
- RSA-2048 had poorer signing speed performance
The results highlight advancements in post-quantum cryptography with substantial computational overheads. High-throughput blockchains such as Solana could still operate efficiently by optimizing software and using advanced hardware.
Preparing for a Quantum Future, Not Panicking At It
According to Matt Sorg, Vice President of Technology at the Solana Foundation, the initiative is part of a broader plan to safeguard digital assets from new risks.
“We want to protect the world’s digital assets from quantum risk,” said Sorg.
Despite that, urgency remains debated. Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, stated there’s a 20% chance quantum computers will undermine modern cryptography before 2030, sparking disagreement in the community.
Adam Back, Bitcoin pioneer and cryptographer, argued that Bitcoin is unlikely to face a meaningful quantum threat for another 20–40 years. Therefore, the industry has time to adapt.
How Solana’s Way Could Set a Trend
Solana’s speed of execution differentiates it. Most cryptographic solutions for quantum resistance already exist, but implementing them on a decentralized network is a governance challenge.
Analysts like James Check warn that Bitcoin might be unable to mandate migrations to quantum-resistant addresses, risking compromised coins flooding the market in the future.
Solana’s early testing of quantum-resistant transactions suggests a more agile approach: implement early, monitor performance, and prepare upgrades well in advance.
The Larger Context
Quantum computing could disrupt blockchain solutions, but Solana is proactively preparing. By demonstrating that Solana quantum-resistant transactions can already work at scale, the network positions itself as a leader in the future of blockchain security, prioritizing preparation over fear.
In a race between cryptography and computation, Solana has made its move.
