The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has integrated "post-quantum" cryptography into its AlphaNet developer network. Lead software engineer at XRPL Labs, Denis Angell, announced the integration of native smart contracts alongside the quantum-resistant measures. The update aims to protect against the threat of quantum computers cracking Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), which secures many blockchain networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The network now runs on CRYSTALS-Dilithium, recently standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a primary defense against quantum attacks. The integration introduces Quantum Accounts, Quantum Transactions, and Quantum Consensus, overhauling identity establishment, fund movement, and network truth validation. However, Dilithium signatures require significantly more storage space than ECDSA signatures, impacting network performance and storage costs.

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has integrated "post-quantum" cryptography into its AlphaNet developer network. Lead software engineer at XRPL Labs, Denis Angell, announced the integration of native smart contracts alongside the quantum-resistant measures. The update aims to protect against the threat of quantum computers cracking Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), which secures many blockchain networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The network now runs on CRYSTALS-Dilithium, recently standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a primary defense against quantum attacks. The integration introduces Quantum Accounts, Quantum Transactions, and Quantum Consensus, overhauling identity establishment, fund movement, and network truth validation. However, Dilithium signatures require significantly more storage space than ECDSA signatures, impacting network performance and storage costs.