The XRP Ledger Foundation has outlined a plan for quantum-proof accounts that would protect users from future quantum attacks without raising their transaction fees. The proposal still faces technical hurdles and a long development timeline before launch.
How the quantum-proof account plan would work
A quantum-proof account is a wallet secured by a signature scheme that quantum computers cannot easily break, protecting funds even if attackers obtain powerful quantum hardware. The threat comes from how blockchains verify ownership.
According to the XRP foundation study, every time an account signs a transaction, it reveals a public key. As a result, any account that has sent a payment remains exposed. The foundation published the design in its 2027 protocol roadmap.
The key points of the proposal include:
- New keys: Owners could add a quantum-resistant key based on ML-DSA-44, a scheme NIST approved in 2024.
- Safer switch: Users could then switch off their original, potentially exposed key.
- No extra fees: Base transaction fees would stay unchanged, while validators would absorb the additional storage.
- Heavier data: A quantum-resistant key and signature take up 3,732 bytes, compared with 105 bytes for a regular payment.
- Timeline: Development and auditing could follow in late 2027 or 2028, after a migration study.
Technical and cost hurdles remain
Developers still need to fix a key-generation mismatch between the Python prototype and other versions. Auditing the amendment alone could cost up to $255,000.
Other networks prepare for quantum threats
The XRP Ledger is not alone in preparing for Q-Day, the moment quantum computers break current cryptography. Several major networks are working on protections:
- Bitcoin: BIP-360, merged in February 2026, proposes a quantum-resistant output type. It remains inactive on the main chain.
- Ethereum: The Ethereum Foundation formed a post-quantum team in January 2026. Its roadmap phases in protections through 2030.
- Algorand: The network has used Falcon signatures for State Proofs since 2022 and now supports Falcon-backed accounts.
- Solana: Blueshift launched Winternitz Vault, which stores funds with quantum-resistant one-time signatures.
Still, most of these efforts remain roadmaps, not live, network-wide protections.
