The XRP Ledger Foundation released a detailed proposal to upgrade the network’s cryptography against future quantum‑computing attacks. The plan targets implementation of the ML‑DSA‑44 post‑quantum digital signature algorithm for accounts, validators and validator list publishers, aiming for quantum readiness by 2028.
Technical scope and costs
The upgrade would replace the current secp256k1 and Ed25519 keys with quantum‑resistant alternatives. Transactions using the new signatures are projected to require about 5,331 bytes of storage, compared with 1,704 bytes for standard payments – an increase of roughly 213% that could affect bandwidth and storage costs.
Development effort is estimated at 640 hours, with an additional 400 hours for review and auditing. Projected expenses for review, auditing and related activities range from $215,000 to $255,000, not including the initial development work.
Implementation timeline
The roadmap schedules a migration study in the first half of 2027, followed by development, review and auditing in late 2027 or 2028. No mainnet activation date has been set.
Broader industry context
Other major blockchains are also exploring quantum‑resistant measures. Bitcoin developers are discussing BIP 360 and other concepts to limit public‑key exposure. Ethereum’s roadmap includes quantum‑resistance upgrades for validators around 2029. Solana and Starknet are researching post‑quantum signature schemes and independent layer‑1 solutions.
While no quantum computer has yet broken existing blockchain cryptography, the XRP Ledger Foundation argues that early preparation is essential because replacing cryptographic systems on a live network can take years.
