Zk-STARK technology helps EtherSquare achieve quantum protection, experts: quantum crisis may be exaggerated

IoTeX encryption expert Dr. Xin Xin Fan recently proposed a solution to help Ethereum defend against quantum threats with zero-knowledge technology zk-STARKs, which has received international recognition and is considered one of the quantum protection solutions beneficial to users.

What is the threat of quantum computing?

The threat of quantum computers lies in their "supercomputing power," which may break existing encryption technologies, such as RSA and blockchain encryption, leading to network transactions and user data leaks. It may also change national security and military patterns, triggering information warfare, and even disrupting the global financial and security systems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new quantum security encryption technologies to counter these threats.

(Note: RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm used to establish secure connections and create digital signatures, a type of asymmetric cryptography that requires the use of Public Key and Private Key.)

Quantum computers pose a threat to existing encryption standards, giving rise to hash zero-knowledge technology.

Tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM are actively researching quantum computing technology. However, the powerful computing capability of quantum computers poses a potential threat to current encryption standards, especially Block chain systems based on Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), the transaction signature mechanism of these systems is considered vulnerable to quantum attacks.

Dr. Fan and his team presented research at the 2024 International Blockchain Conference, pointing out that quantum-resistant hash zero-knowledge technology (such as zk-STARK) can be applied to Ethereum transactions, maintaining a high level of protection even in the face of powerful quantum computing. This method not only emphasizes security but also takes into account user experience, allowing users to enjoy quantum-secure transactions without changing their Wallet.

The model proposed by Dr. Tu Fan for ZK verification service research.

(Note: Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) is used to verify the authenticity and integrity of messages without exposing the Private Key, and is commonly used in blockchain, electronic signatures, and network security. zk-STARK can achieve fast proof generation and verification without requiring 'initial proof,' and can quickly process large amounts of data and transactions, making it suitable for large-scale applications. It leverages hash functions and polynomials to effectively resist quantum attacks.)

Vitalik says simple hard fork and Wallet upgrade easily resist quantum attacks

Former Ether co-founder Vitalik has indicated that in the event of a quantum attack, a very simple hard fork and Wallet upgrade can be made to address the quantum attack, and users only need to update the Wallet software, and the funds of most users will not be affected. Vitalik also said that this solution can be activated at any time and respond quickly to quantum attacks.

The picture shows the schematic diagram of ETH to resist quantum attacks. The speculation of quantum crisis may be exaggerated in reality.

Although there is a discussion about the threat of quantum computers, some experts believe that the current ability of quantum computers is not enough to shake modern encryption standards. According to foreign media reports, researchers from Shanghai University have successfully cracked a trap encryption algorithm using a quantum computer.

However, a Youtuber pointed out that the cracking experiment at Shanghai University was aimed at a 22-bit Secret Key, while the current standard for encryption Secret Key length is between 2048 and 4096 bits, indicating that current quantum computer technology still has a long way to go before truly breaking modern encryption standards.

Many experts also believe that the current threat to quantum computers is somewhat exaggerated, but all businesses must be prepared to deal with the potential quantum threat in the future.

(What if Ethereum suffers from a quantum attack? Vitalik: No need to worry)

This article zk-STARK technology helps Ether block achieve quantum protection, experts: quantum crisis may be exaggerated first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.