Anti-Quantum Strategies

Quantum computing poses a long-term threat to today’s blockchains. Attacks such as Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL) mean that even if transactions are safe today, they could be exposed once quantum machines become practical. Modulax implements a forward-looking strategy to mitigate these risks.

"Security is not just about defending today — it’s about preparing for the breakthroughs of tomorrow."


Key Threats from Quantum Computing

  • Breaking Signatures

    • Algorithms like Shor’s make ECDSA vulnerable once large-scale quantum computers exist.

  • Breaking Hashes

    • Grover’s algorithm can reduce the effective security of hash functions like SHA-3.

  • Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL)

    • Adversaries record encrypted blockchain data today and wait until quantum hardware can break it.


Modulax Strategy

  1. Cryptographic Agility

    • Protocol designed to swap signature schemes without breaking existing state.

    • Smooth migration path for accounts to upgrade to post-quantum keys.

  2. Post-Quantum Primitives (Planned Upgrades)

    • Kyber: Quantum-safe key exchange

    • Dilithium: Lattice-based digital signatures

    • Hash-Based Schemes: Backup for specialized cases

  3. Layered Security Approach

    • Classical cryptography (ECDSA, SHA-3) for compatibility

    • Post-quantum algorithms integrated gradually

    • Multi-sig and hybrid schemes bridging classical + PQ


Implementation Roadmap

Phase
Strategy
Notes

Current

ECDSA + SHA-3

Ethereum-compatible, widely supported

Mid-term

Hybrid schemes (ECDSA + PQ signatures)

Testnet phase for validator adoption

Long-term

Full PQ adoption (Kyber, Dilithium)

Default for all accounts and modules


Developer Considerations

  • Future SDKs will support PQ libraries for smart contracts

  • Account abstraction will allow users to choose their signature scheme

  • Bridges and explorers will remain compatible across upgrades


Anti-quantum strategies in Modulax are not theoretical, they are built into the protocol roadmap. By enabling cryptographic agility and planning PQ adoption, Modulax ensures that assets and contracts remain secure for decades to come.

"Modulax is not waiting for quantum to arrive. It is building defenses today for the quantum age."

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