Key Highlights
- Stellar launched its Quantum Preparedness Plan (QPP) to transition the network to quantum-safe cryptography by 2027.
- Users will be able to add quantum-resistant signers without changing wallet addresses, balances, or transaction history.
- The roadmap includes phased upgrades across 2026 and 2027, with eventual deprecation of Ed25519 signatures.
Stellar, an open-source, decentralized blockchain network, today announced the Quantum Preparedness Plan (QPP), a structured program to migrate the Stellar Network to quantum-safe cryptography ahead of potential threats from advanced quantum computers.
According to the official update, the plan aims to ensure the network’s long-term security by enabling every Stellar account to support quantum-resistant signatures while preserving existing addresses and transaction history. By the end of 2027, users will be able to add quantum-safe signers through a native protocol upgrade.
The announcement noted that quantum computers capable of running Shor’s algorithm could eventually break current elliptic curve cryptography, including Ed25519 used by Stellar and most other blockchains.
What are the threats driving the plan
Recent research has accelerated concerns: INRIA scientists reduced the logical qubits needed to break 256-bit elliptic curves, while the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated its risk timeline to 2029 or earlier. Major organizations like Google are targeting post-quantum readiness by 2029.
Stellar identified two main threats: compromise of validator signatures that could affect network consensus and account takeovers, where private keys could be derived from public keys. The latter poses a bigger challenge due to the large number of accounts, including dormant ones.
Unlike many blockchains where addresses are tied directly to public keys, Stellar separates account identity (the G… address) from signing keys. This allows users to add or remove signers via the existing set_options operation without changing addresses or migrating funds — a significant advantage for a smooth transition.
Also Read: Stellar Launches Confidential Tokens for Private SEP-41 Balances
Roadmap of the plan
Stage 1 (2026): Post-quantum signature verification (starting with NIST-standard ML-DSA-44 and ML-DSA-65) will be added to Soroban smart contracts. Enterprise wallets and users can migrate to quantum-safe contract accounts during this phase.
Stage 2 (2027): A Core Advancement Proposal will introduce quantum-safe signer types as native options for classic accounts. All existing accounts will be able to add quantum-safe signers alongside their current Ed25519 keys.
Stage 3 (Deprecation): Ed25519 signatures will eventually be phased out for new transactions, with timing based on quantum computing developments and ecosystem readiness. The foundation noted challenges around dormant accounts and will seek community input on handling them, including possible recovery mechanisms.
Further research still required
The plan leverages existing NIST post-quantum standards and draws from efforts on other networks, such as Ethereum’s emergency hard fork planning and Bitcoin’s BIP-360.
Stellar acknowledged that zero-knowledge proof systems on the network (using vulnerable pairing-based curves) still require further research. The foundation plans to collaborate with ZK protocol teams to address this separately.
Implementation will require coordinated effort across validators, wallets, anchors, custodians, and developers. The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) will release technical specifications, open community discussions, and begin protocol upgrades in the coming weeks.
Necessary technical evolution
The QPP is neither an immediate alarm nor a guaranteed success. It is a necessary technical evolution driven by advancing quantum computing research. Success will depend on clear communication, smooth wallet and exchange integration, and broad participation across developers, enterprises, and retail users.
While the structural advantages of Stellar’s account model provide a smoother path than many competitors, the real test will be execution and community engagement over the next two years.
Overall, the announcement signals maturity in addressing future risks but places the burden on the broader ecosystem to stay informed and participate in the transition. Users are encouraged to follow official updates and prepare for upcoming wallet and tool changes as more technical details are released.
Also Read: The DeFi Security Blind Spot That Cost Protocols $36.7M: Chainalysis
