Sui Research’s Quantum-Safe Framework

Sui Research has introduced a cryptographic framework that protects against quantum computing threats without requiring hard forks, address changes, or key updates.

Cryptographer Kostas Chalkias stated in a Monday X post that the recent research paper he co-authored with Sui Research represents a significant breakthrough in the quantum transitions of some blockchains. This new approach could apply to Sui, Solana, Near, Cosmos, and other networks, but not Ethereum and Bitcoin.

> “As far as I know, this is the first backward-compatible quantum-safe upgrade path for blockchain wallets to avoid future forks or freezing accounts,” Chalkias said.

Dan Dadybayo, a researcher at Unstoppable Wallet, emphasized that this paper is one of the most important cryptographic breakthroughs in recent years, enabling quantum-safe wallet upgrades without
changing addresses, re-signing, or necessitating a hard fork.

A hard fork is a permanent, non-backward-compatible change to a blockchain’s protocol, potentially creating contentious situations and separate networks if not fully adopted by maintainers. Examples include Bitcoin (BTC) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH), along with Ether (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC).

Related: Quantum computers could bring lost Bitcoin back to life: Here’s how

The Looming Quantum Threat

Chalkias expressed skepticism regarding the imminent arrival of quantum supremacy capable of breaking cryptography. However, many experts recognize this threat as real, prompting developers to seek solutions urgently.

In the Bitcoin community, discussions are escalating. Early cypherpunk Adam Back, mentioned in the Bitcoin white paper, indicated that quantum computing’s pressure could reveal the status of Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator. If quantum computing makes Bitcoin held by Satoshi Nakamoto vulnerable, he may have to move it to a new address to protect it. The community may eventually face a decision on whether to freeze vulnerable addresses against quantum attacks.

> “Once quantum computers arrive, millions of wallets, including Satoshi’s, could be drained instantly. If your public key is visible, it will eventually be cracked,” Chalkias remarked.

Related: Bitcoin’s quantum countdown has already begun, Naoris CEO says

How This Innovation Changes the Equation

Typical solutions to the quantum threat involve changing keys based on post-quantum cryptography and extensive software overhauls. In contrast, the new solution enables quantum-safe wallet upgrades without altering addresses, re-signing, or hard forks.

The breakthrough focuses on chains using the Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm (EdDSA). Dadybayo explained that EdDSA-based chains like Sui, Solana, and Near deterministically derive private keys from a seed that can be used in zero-knowledge proofs for secure transitions, including dormant accounts. Zero-knowledge proofs allow proof of knowledge about the seed for deriving keys without revealing the keys themselves.

Tomer Ashur, scientific director at 3MI Labs, noted that this method hides essential data that a quantum adversary would require to launch an attack.

> “Rather than replacing EdDSA, this approach fortifies the algorithm against quantum attacks.”

The chain accepts zero-knowledge proof as authorization for a post-quantum public key, eliminating the need for new account IDs (the old EdDSA public key remains in use), re-signing of previous transactions, or hard forks.

Crucially, dormant accounts are included, meaning if Bitcoin had utilized EdDSA signatures from the start, discussions around freezing Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin would be unnecessary.

Robert Roose, founder of Cardano interoperability protocol Mynth, acknowledged that if the paper proves correct, it represents a significant development, while also expressing a cautionary note about its validity.

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