Ripple Research Initiative’s Professor Urges Immediate Transition to Quantum-Resistant Tech for Crypto Firms
A professor of mathematics and cryptography is urging crypto companies to prioritize the development of defenses against future quantum attacks. Dr. Massimiliano Sala, a professor at the University of Trento in Italy and the head of the Italian Cryptographic Association, has warned that upcoming quantum computers could easily crack the foundational problems of digital signatures, posing a significant threat to the security of crypto assets. Sala suggests that all classical public-key cryptosystems be replaced with upgraded versions that can withstand quantum attacks, and that projects should begin transitioning immediately. While Sala acknowledges that quantum-resistant systems come with tradeoffs such as increased computational demands and larger data sizes, he advises that blockchain systems incorporate quantum-safe elements in less critical areas to avoid compromising network functionality. This warning echoes previous concerns raised by experts in the field, including a team of researchers at the University of Sussex, who analyzed the level of quantum computing power that could potentially threaten the Bitcoin blockchain. They concluded that Bitcoin is currently safe from a quantum attack, but future advancements in quantum technology could pose a risk.