Backwards-compatible quantum fix found, but not for Bitcoin and Ethereum

Sui Research has introduced a new cryptographic method that could protect blockchains from future threats caused by quantum computers. The best part? It doesn’t require hard forks, wallet address changes, or re-signing keys.

Kostas Chalkias, one of the researchers, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that this is a big step forward for some blockchains. The new method could work for networks like Sui, Solana, Near, and Cosmos. However, it won’t work for Bitcoin or Ethereum due to how those networks are designed.

Chalkias said, “As far as I know, this is the first upgrade that’s quantum-safe and doesn’t break old systems. Wallets can upgrade safely without freezing or splitting the network.”

Dan Dadybayo from Unstoppable Wallet called this paper “one of the biggest cryptographic breakthroughs in recent years.” He explained that with this solution, users can upgrade to quantum-safe wallets without changing their addresses or going through a hard fork.

In simple terms, a hard fork is a major change to a blockchain’s rules that makes old and new versions incompatible. This often leads to a split—creating two separate networks. Examples include the split of Bitcoin into Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum into Ethereum Classic.

Thanks to this new method, supported blockchains can stay secure against future quantum threats—without all the usual problems that come with big upgrades.

The Growing Threat of Quantum Computers

Even though cryptographer Kostas Chalkias doesn’t believe we’re close to “quantum supremacy” just yet, he agrees that the risk is real—and many in the tech world share that concern.

As quantum computers get stronger, they may eventually break the cryptographic systems that protect blockchains. This has developers racing to find long-term solutions before it’s too late.

For Bitcoin in particular, the conversation is heating up. Back in April, early Bitcoin supporter and cypherpunk Adam Back—who was mentioned in the original Bitcoin white paper—spoke with Cointelegraph about this issue. He said that if quantum computers become powerful enough, it might force the mysterious Bitcoin creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, to take action.

Why? Because quantum computers could target older Bitcoin wallets, like the ones believed to belong to Satoshi. If those coins aren’t moved to a more secure address in time, they could be stolen. That alone might reveal whether Satoshi is still alive and watching.

It’s not just about Satoshi, though. Chalkias warned that once quantum computers reach a certain level, millions of wallets could be emptied in an instant. “If your public key is visible,” he said, “it’s only a matter of time before it gets cracked.”

This has sparked new debates in the community. Some believe the network may need to freeze vulnerable addresses in the future to protect user funds when real quantum attacks become possible.

How This Innovation Changes Everything

Most current ideas to protect blockchains from quantum computers involve big changes. They usually require people to create new wallet keys, update the software deeply, and even go through hard forks. A hard fork is a big change that can split a blockchain into two versions.

But this new method is different—and much easier.

With this solution, wallets can become safe from quantum attacks without changing the address, without re-signing anything, and without any hard fork.

This idea works for blockchains that use something called EdDSA—a digital signature system used by Sui, Solana, Near, and others.

Dan Dadybayo explained that in these blockchains, private keys come from something called a seed. With that seed, people can use a smart trick called a zero-knowledge proof. This lets them prove they own the wallet without showing their private key. Even wallets that haven’t been used for years can be safely updated this way.

Tomer Ashur, a cryptography expert, said that this method hides the information that quantum computers would need to steal coins. It doesn’t replace EdDSA but makes it stronger against attacks.

Using this proof, the blockchain can accept a new, safer key while still keeping the old wallet address. This means people don’t have to redo past transactions or change anything major.

One big benefit is that even old or unused wallets are protected. If Bitcoin had used EdDSA from the start, there wouldn’t be so much worry today about what to do with Satoshi Nakamoto’s old Bitcoins.

Robert Roose, founder of Mynth, said that if the research is right, this is a very big deal. But he also added, “Only if it’s correct.”