Ethereum Takes a Quantum Leap Forward: Vitalik's Lattice-Ready Approach Gains Traction
Key Summary
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a quantum-ready approach using lattice-based cryptography, which has garnered support from Zcash cofounder Eli Ben Sasson and Delphi Labs GC Gabriel Shapiro. The approach aims to replace BLS signatures with hash-based signatures and utilize STARKs for aggregation, while also allowing for lattice-based cryptography for accounts and wallets through a precompile if secure.
Precedent & Market Context
Ethereum's planned hash-only signature aggregation design relies on SNARK recursion, which has coordination overhead, bug surface, and unestablished security. This has led to a debate on lattice versus hash-based cryptography in blockchain design, with Zcash cofounder Eli Ben Sasson, Ethereum cofounder Vitalik Buterin, and Delphi Labs GC Gabriel Shapiro joining the discussion.
Main Event
Zcash cofounder Eli Ben Sasson has strongly disagreed with a16z crypto's claim that relying solely on hash-based cryptography may appear safer, but can result in more brittle systems. Vitalik Buterin has proposed a quantum-ready approach using lattice-based cryptography, which has garnered support from Zcash cofounder Eli Ben Sasson and Delphi Labs GC Gabriel Shapiro.
Analysis & Market Impact
The proposed lattice-based approach aims to replace BLS signatures with hash-based signatures and utilize STARKs for aggregation. This approach allows for lattice-based cryptography for accounts and wallets through a precompile if secure.
Implications & Outlook
The proposed lattice-based approach has garnered support from Zcash cofounder Eli Ben Sasson and Delphi Labs GC Gabriel Shapiro. This approach aims to provide a more secure and robust blockchain design, which can withstand the challenges of quantum computing. The outcome of this debate will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the implementation of this approach.