The XRP Ledger Foundation has mapped out a plan for quantum-proof accounts. The upgrade would protect users from future quantum attacks without raising their transaction fees.
However, the proposal still faces several technical hurdles and a long development timeline before launch.
XRP Quantum Proposal Explained
A quantum-proof account is a wallet secured by a signature scheme that quantum computers cannot easily break. It protects funds even if attackers obtain powerful quantum hardware.
The threat comes from how blockchains verify ownership.
“Every time an account signs a transaction, it reveals a public key,” the XRP foundation study explains.
Therefore, any account that has sent a payment remains exposed. The foundation published the design in its 2027 protocol roadmap. These are the key points:
- New keys: Owners could add a quantum-resistant key based on ML-DSA-44, a scheme NIST approved in 2024.
- Safer switch: Users could then switch off their original, potentially exposed key.
- No extra fees: Base transaction fees stay unchanged, while validators absorb the additional storage.
- Heavier data: A quantum-resistant key and signature take up 3,732 bytes, versus 105 bytes for a regular payment.
- Timeline: Development and auditing could follow in late 2027 or 2028, after a migration study.
However, developers still need to fix a key-generation mismatch between the Python prototype and other versions.
Auditing this amendment alone could cost up to $255,000.
Which Other Crypto is Preparing for Quantum Threats?
The XRP Ledger is not alone. Several major networks are preparing for Q-Day, the moment quantum computers break current cryptography:
- Bitcoin: BIP-360, merged in February 2026, proposes a quantum-resistant output type. It remains inactive on the main chain.
- Ethereum: The Ethereum Foundation formed a post-quantum team in January 2026. Its roadmap phases in protections through 2030.
- Algorand: The network has used Falcon signatures for State Proofs since 2022. It now supports Falcon-backed accounts.
- Solana: Blueshift launched Winternitz Vault, which stores funds with quantum-resistant one-time signatures.
Still, most of these efforts remain roadmaps, not live, network-wide protections.
