Ethereum Foundation: 2026 Promotes 128-bit Security Threshold, Safety Priority Replaces Performance Race

The Ethereum Foundation announced the full implementation of 128-bit security standards in 2026, aligning with regulations and attracting institutional funds. (Background: Synthetix returns to the Ethereum mainnet every three years: all DEXs will come back) (Context: Vitalik Buterin: 'Simplifying' the Ethereum protocol for everyone to understand! To promote decentralization.) Recently, the Ethereum Foundation announced that in 2026, the development priority of the mainnet and zkEVM will shift from 'speed' to 'security', aiming to complete the 128-bit provable security standard by the end of the year. The foundation admitted that the current zkEVM still relies on unverified mathematical assumptions, posing risks such as fake transactions, state manipulation, and minting without basis. To reduce the attack surface, a unified security audit will be launched in early 2026; by mid-year, it is expected that the WHIR protocol will control the proof size to 300 KB, to first reach the 100-bit threshold; ultimately combining the Glamsterdam upgrade in May and the Hegota upgrade at the end of the year to fully meet the 128-bit target. Three-stage milestones and technical specifications Milestone 1: soundcalc integration Deadline: End of February 2026 To consistently measure security, we developed soundcalc: a tool to estimate zkVM security based on the latest cryptographic security limits and proof system parameters. This is a 'continuously evolving' tool, and we will continually integrate the latest research findings and known attacks. Before this deadline, participating zkEVM teams need to fully integrate their proof system components and all circuits into soundcalc. This will establish a common benchmark for subsequent security assessments. Milestone 2: Glamsterdam Deadline: End of May 2026 Provable security reaches 100-bit (estimated by soundcalc) Final proof size ≤ 600 KiB Provides a concise description of the recursive architecture and a conceptual explanation of its soundness. Milestone 3: H-star Deadline: End of 2026 Provable security reaches 128-bit (estimated by soundcalc) Final proof size ≤ 300 KiB Provides a formal security proof for the soundness of the recursive architecture. Regulatory dividends drive institutional layout In the short term, the development community will inevitably invest more resources in proving security, and the pace of expansion may slow. However, high-value applications and institutional funds prioritize risk management, and the 128-bit threshold is expected to become a stepping stone for L1/L2 ecosystems to attract large capital. EF emphasized in its statement: "Attack resistance is the only way to attract high-value applications." Ethereum is laying the foundation for the global digital financial infrastructure for the next decade. After all, speed can attract the spotlight, but impeccable security is the guarantee of long-term trust. Related Reports The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency opens banks to 'facilitate' cryptocurrency transactions! Bitcoin surges past $93,000, Ethereum rises above $3200. Fitch warns: it will downgrade banks holding too much Bitcoin. Bitcoin treasury firm 21 Capital will debut on the NYSE tonight (stock code XXI), holding 43,000 BTC, becoming a new force on Wall Street. "Ethereum Foundation: 2026 Promotes 128-bit Security Threshold, Safety Priority Replaces Performance Race" This article was first published in BlockTempo (the most influential blockchain news media).