NEAR is actively rebuilding its security architecture to prepare for future quantum computers that could potentially compromise standard signature systems used across the cryptocurrency industry. According to Near One CTO Anton Astafiev and NEAR writer Mally Anderson, development work on the initiative began in the second quarter of 2026.
The initial modifications introduced the ML-DSA, or “Dilithium,” protocol, allowing users to store and authorize assets utilizing quantum-safe keys. This protective layer extends to assets issued on other blockchains through Chain Signatures and NEAR intents. The Meteor Wallet already supports the solution, while Ledger and other wallet developers are continuing their integration efforts. However, developers noted that post-quantum signatures require significantly more space than classical solutions, making cost reduction a primary focus for the next steps.
While validator accounts can already use post-quantum keys for transaction approvals and staking confirmations, block production consensus still relies on the Edison curve. Near One views updating validator and chunk-producer consensus keys as one of the most substantial protocol updates since mainnet. Although ML-DSA is currently too large and expensive for consensus, and alternative lattice signature algorithms like FN-DSA (Falcon) are still considered too immature for production, the team targets a workable design within roughly 12 months and a deployment timeline around the end of 2027.
Cross-chain compatibility introduces additional hurdles, as the majority of blockchains currently rely on ECDSA and EdDSA. Near One plans to maintain the functionality of Chain Signatures, NEAR Intent, and OmniBridge through 2026 and 2027 while research continues. By August 2026, the Responsible Finance Institute and custody provider Safeheron utilized the NEAR testnet to test quantum-resistant wallet creation and transfers. Furthermore, Near One is developing Universal Account IDs, planned for an autumn 2026 protocol release, to avoid tying accounts to a single signing method and to allow new signature systems to be added in the future.
