Ethereum, the second-largest blockchain network, is turning its attention to a new looming threat: quantum computing. As the protocol marks its 10th anniversary, Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake is calling for a radical transformation to defend against this next-generation technological risk.
Ethereum's Quantum Challenge
Quantum computers, often dubbed "crypto’s doomsday," have the potential to break the encryption methods that currently secure blockchain networks. While the technology hasn’t reached that point yet, experts believe it's only a matter of time before quantum computing poses a serious risk to cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum.
Yesterday Ethereum turned 10. Today, lean Ethereum is unveiled as a vision—and personal mission—for the next 10 years.We stand at the dawn of a new era. Millions of TPS. Quantum adversaries. How does Ethereum marry extreme performance with uncompromising security and…— Justin Drake (@drakefjustin) July 31, 2025
In a forward-looking discussion, Drake proposed a future version of Ethereum he calls “Lean Ethereum,” a framework designed to overhaul cryptographic systems using hash-based cryptography to withstand quantum attacks. He argued that this approach should apply across Ethereum’s Layer 1—from signatures to zkVMs and more.
Inside "Lean Ethereum"
Drake envisions Ethereum eventually handling up to 1 billion gas per second and 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) at the base layer. Layer 2 would scale to 1 trillion gas per second and 1 million TPS. However, the focus isn't just on scaling but maintaining decentralization, security, and elegance while preparing for quantum-era threats.
“It’s not just engineering, it’s an aesthetic, an art form, a craft,” Drake said, emphasizing that Ethereum must remain anti-fragile and sovereign, even in the face of interference from nation-states or other centralized powers.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin previously outlined similar concerns, introducing “The Splurge” as a series of upgrades intended to prepare the blockchain for future challenges. The community appears aligned on the urgency of building quantum resistance into Ethereum's architecture.
Quantum Resistance Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Although quantum computing is not yet capable of threatening Ethereum's cryptographic foundations, preparing early may be the key to long-term resilience. “Brute force alone won't solve this,” Drake added. “We need elegance and sustainability.”
Ethereum’s plans include deeper cryptographic restructuring that could help the platform remain operational and secure even if quantum computing achieves breakthroughs in the next decade.
As the Ethereum ecosystem evolves, its developers are looking far ahead to maintain its integrity in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.
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