Ripple Unveils Plan to Make XRP Ledger Quantum-Resistant by 2028

The emergence of quantum computing poses a potential threat to blockchain security, prompting Ripple to develop a comprehensive plan to make the XRP Ledger quantum-resistant. As a decentralized, layer-1 blockchain, the XRP Ledger is used by Ripple's solutions and is the native platform for the XRP token, the world's fourth-largest digital asset by market capitalization. With a detailed roadmap, Ripple aims to achieve full readiness by 2028. The plan comes after Google's warning that a quantum computer could potentially attack Bitcoin with less computational power than previously estimated, highlighting the need for proactive measures. To address the quantum risks to the XRP Ledger, Ripple's plan consists of four phases. Firstly, the company will implement emergency measures to protect exposed public keys and long-held accounts in the event of an unexpected quantum breakthrough. This phase, called Q-Day readiness, involves a hard shift to quantum-safe accounts and enables safe recovery for account owners via zero-knowledge proofs. The second phase, already underway, involves a thorough assessment of quantum vulnerability across the XRPL network and testing of defenses suggested by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Ripple is collaborating with quantum security research firm Project Eleven to accelerate this phase. The third phase, targeted for completion in the second half of 2026, involves the controlled integration of post-quantum measures, allowing developers to test and build against the new cryptography without disrupting the live network. This phase will also explore quantum-resistant approaches to privacy and secure data processing. The final phase, scheduled for completion by 2028, marks the full transition to native post-quantum cryptography, with the design, build, and proposal of a new amendment to the XRPL ecosystem. By following this structured approach, Ripple aims to ensure a seamless migration path, minimizing potential disruptions to the network and its users.