Ethereum moves to quantum-proof its staking layer

Ethereum researchers propose a draft upgrade to the staking deposit contract, enabling quantum-resistant keys and variable-length credentials to protect over $100B in staked ETH. The proposal is still under review.

Ethereum researchers have introduced a draft proposal to upgrade the network’s validator deposit contract, aiming to transition staking to post-quantum cryptography. The current contract secures about 42.4 million ETH (roughly $104 billion) and relies on BLS cryptographic keys, which could be vulnerable to future quantum computing attacks. The proposed upgrade would support variable-length keys and credential data, enabling multiple signature schemes and quantum-resistant keys. The new contract would operate in three states—Disabled, BLS Enabled, and BLS Permanently Retired—eventually prohibiting new deposits using the BLS scheme. This proposal remains in draft form and requires coordinated upgrades across Ethereum’s consensus and execution layers. The Ethereum Foundation is actively researching post-quantum cryptography, focusing on hash-based signature schemes to secure the network’s future.