In a research paper shared exclusively with Bitcoin.com News, Quantus co‑founder and CEO Christopher Smith outlined a pathway for EVM‑compatible blockchains to introduce optional post‑quantum transaction security today. By leveraging two proposed Ethereum Improvement Proposals—EIP‑8130 and EIP‑8355—chains could enable quantum‑resistant signatures for user accounts and privileged infrastructure without waiting for Ethereum’s broader quantum‑resistance roadmap, which targets a full Layer‑1 solution around December 2029.

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How the two EIPs would work

EIP‑8130, originally developed through the Base project, would create a flexible keystore that lets an account register multiple authenticators and rotate them independently of the address, similar to changing a password while keeping the same email. An account could start with the conventional ECDSA key and later add a machine‑learning‑based Digital Signature Algorithm (ML‑DSA) key that is resistant to quantum attacks. EIP‑8355 would complement this by adding built‑in verification for ML‑DSA signatures at higher NIST security levels, allowing wallets, exchanges and network operators to accept quantum‑secure signatures alongside legacy ones. Together, the upgrades would protect user accounts and admin keys such as those used by bridges or sequencers, while keeping existing address formats intact.

Scope and limitations

Smith emphasized that the proposal focuses on transaction authorization and, in some cases, consensus, but does not constitute a complete quantum fix for a blockchain. Validator signatures, KZG blob commitments, bridge mechanisms and pairing‑based zero‑knowledge proofs would still require separate quantum‑resistant solutions. Chains that run their own validators would need new deposit and key‑registration processes, and rollups inheriting Ethereum consensus would remain dependent on Ethereum’s eventual quantum‑safe upgrades for proof verification. The paper remains a design proposal; the EIPs have been implemented on some networks, but Quantus has not yet built or tested a full implementation.

Practical implications for users and custodians

Because protocol changes alone do not retroactively protect existing wallets, custodial services and exchanges would need to migrate customers to post‑quantum addresses, while self‑custody users would likely have to generate new seed phrases and transfer assets. Smith described the approach as optional: chains could make post‑quantum signatures available without forcing all participants to adopt them immediately, allowing a gradual transition.

What to watch next

The next steps include community discussion and potential adoption of EIP‑8130 and EIP‑8355 on major EVM chains, as well as testing of ML‑DSA integration in live environments. Observers will also track Ethereum’s progress toward its 2029 quantum‑resistance target and any parallel efforts to secure validators, bridges and zero‑knowledge proof systems. The pace of adoption will determine whether optional post‑quantum security becomes a de‑facto standard before the broader ecosystem achieves full quantum resilience.