Zcash developers plan to introduce post-quantum signature opcodes to the network in January, according to Zakura, a full-node implementation for Zcash. The proposal aims to protect wallets from potential future quantum computing attacks that could expose private keys and enable theft.
The opcodes would use hash-based signatures to prevent attackers from using publicly visible keys to forge transaction approvals and spend coins. The initial focus targets transparent payments, which account for approximately 70% of total issued ZEC—roughly 11.96 million tokens held in the transparent pool.
Zakura is also developing a privacy-preserving balance query tool to reduce address linkage exposure when querying multiple addresses. Post-quantum protection for Zcash's privacy pool will require separate development.
The network activation timeline for the upgrade has not yet been finalized.
Market Response
ZEC price increased 11% over the past 24 hours, trading at $1,224.57 as of the report. The 24-hour trading range was $1,114.07 to $1,245.56, with volume rising 80% in the same period.
Zcash shielded transactions reached a four-year high, with 62,379 transactions sent in the most recent week—the highest weekly total since 2022. The Grayscale Zcash ETF accumulated close to $1 billion in assets within approximately one month.
Derivatives sentiment showed mixed signals. Total ZEC futures open interest rose slightly over 1% to $2.60 billion in 24 hours, while Binance and OKX futures open interest climbed more than 15% and 5%, respectively.
