Quantum resistant encryption on the road map?

General
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Argument for Quantum-Proofing the ICP BlockchainQuantum computing, exemplified by Origin Wukong’s 380,000+ quantum tasks for 26 million users globally since January 2024,

This threatens ICP’s security. Quantum computers could break ECDSA cryptography, risking forged signatures, stolen assets, and disrupted NNS governance.

Kicking the can down the road is not an option—DFINITY must take security seriously and prioritize quantum-proofing on ICP’s roadmap to ensure its future.

Urgency: Quantum computing’s accessibility is a clear threat. Origin Wukong’s applications in finance and biomedicine show its real-world impact. Delaying risks user trust, assets, and ICP’s edge over quantum-resistant blockchains. X discussions and DFINITY’s 2021 post-quantum (PQ) proposal demand action now.

Feasibility: NIST-standardized PQ algorithms (lattice-, hash-, code-based) offer quantum-resistant solutions. DFINITY’s cryptographic expertise, canister architecture, and NNS governance enable seamless integration. C

Chain Key Cryptography can adopt PQ signatures, leveraging Bitcoin integration success.Benefits: Quantum-proofing secures ICP for DeFi, AI, and enterprise use, aligning with its decentralized vision.

It differentiates ICP from competitors like Ethereum, attracts developers, and ensures compliance via partnerships like Elliptic, boosting institutional adoption.Challenges: PQ algorithms’ larger key sizes may impact performance. NNS coordination and formal verification will ensure a secure transition.

Call to Action: DFINITY must prioritize quantum-proofing on its roadmap. Accelerate PQ research, propose NNS upgrades, and pilot quantum-resistant canisters. Quantum-proofing now safeguards ICP’s future, cements its leadership, and upholds its decentralized mission

“Origin Tianji’s 4.0’s predecessor has also powered Origin Wukong, the self-developed superconducting quantum computer. it has completed over 380,000 qunatum computing tasks for more than 26 million users from 139 countries and regions worldwide. It became operational on January 6 last year, and has provided support across various fields such as finance, biomedicine, and fluid dymanics, according to Guo”

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Thank you for your message. We are aware of the risks that significant advancements in quantum computing bring to today’s cryptography, including several cryptographic schemes used in ICP. Please refer to Jan’s forum post for more details

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Thank you for your response and for providing further context regarding your perspective. While I appreciate the provided link to Jan’s post, I must reiterate my disagreement with Jan’s assessment of the present quantum computing landscape and its implications.

Moreover, I would like to elaborate on my concerns. It appears that quantum computers are becoming increasingly accessible commercially. The availability of photonic chips, coupled with reports of advancements in countries such as China and even North Korea, as you mentioned, suggests a potentially accelerated timeline for quantum capabilities.

Given this evolving landscape and considering the open support for Bitcoin from the USA and its partners, I share your concern that this could present an attractive target for malicious actors. Therefore, I strongly urge that the priority for implementing quantum-proof encryption for the blockchain be elevated. It is my belief that the Internet Computer could play a crucial role in providing a more secure and resilient infrastructure in this evolving environment.

Best regards,
Kurt