Grayscale Reaffirms XRP Progress in Addressing Quantum Threat

Grayscale has reaffirmed the progress made by the XRP Ledger (XRPL) developer community in addressing the growing quantum threat.

Grayscale recently released a report that referenced research from Google on the risks linked to the fast growth of quantum computing and its possible impact on blockchain security. In the report, XRP stood out as one of the networks already taking steps to deal with this emerging threat.

Key Points

• Grayscale cited Google research warning that quantum computing’s progress could pose a threat to blockchain security.
• Google identified post-quantum cryptography as a solution, with networks like XRP Ledger already testing it.
• The XRP Ledger has advanced quantum readiness by testing ML-DSA signatures and enabling key rotation, among others.
• The report emphasized that the level of quantum risk depends on the blockchain design.

Google Paper Warns Against Delayed Action

The report, authored by Zach Pandl, Head of Research at Grayscale, called attention to the urgency of preparing for a post-quantum future. 

Pandl explained that in the mid-1990s, MIT mathematician Peter Schor created an algorithm that could allow quantum machines to solve the complex problems behind today’s encryption. Even after nearly 30 years, no computer can run this algorithm at scale yet, but estimates suggest this could change within the next few years.

Grayscale referred to a recent paper from Google Quantum AI, which stressed that the uncertainty around timelines makes early action important. The research warned that progress in quantum computing may not happen gradually but could come in sudden jumps, which increases the risk of waiting too long.

The paper suggested that reaching this level of capability may require about 1,200 to 1,450 logical qubits, an important measure of computing power. 

While that point has not been reached, both Google and Grayscale believe blockchain networks should start preparing now. They noted that there is still a lot of work to do, including technical upgrades, community agreement, and handling possible side effects like lower transaction speeds.

XRP Already Making Progress

The Google research also stressed that this challenge can be solved. It mentioned a forward through the use of post-quantum cryptography. Notably, this field has already developed tools that experts have tested, reviewed, and even deployed in real systems.

These cryptographic methods already protect internet traffic and some blockchain activities. Grayscale pointed out that networks like Solana and the XRP Ledger have started testing these solutions. This early effort shows that some blockchains are not waiting but are already preparing for future risks.

For context, Google’s 2026 research highlighted the XRP Ledger as one of the few networks already testing post-quantum cryptography in real conditions. The research spotlighted XRPL’s progress, especially its use of key rotation, which helps improve security for tokenized real-world assets.

Notably, XRPL has been working toward quantum resistance by testing new cryptographic standards approved by NIST on its developer network, AlphaNet. 

In December 2025, developers added CRYSTALS-Dilithium, now ML-DSA, to support quantum-resistant transactions, accounts, and consensus. This replaces older systems like ECDSA secp256k1 and Ed25519 with signatures that are about 2,420 bytes in size.

The network also allows built-in key rotation, meaning it can upgrade its cryptography through validator agreement without stopping the system or affecting user accounts. These features are still being tested and are not yet live on the main network, but they show progress.

Quantum Vulnerability Varies Across Blockchain Designs

The Grayscale report explained that not all blockchains face the same level of risk. The level of exposure depends on how each network is built. 

For instance, systems that use the UTXO model, like Bitcoin, differ from account-based systems like Ethereum. Other factors include whether a network uses proof-of-work or proof-of-stake, supports smart contracts, or has special setup processes for privacy tools.

Grayscale noted that Bitcoin may face fewer technical risks because of its design, which includes the UTXO model, proof-of-work, and no native smart contracts. Some address types are also safer if they are not reused. 

However, the bigger challenge is in decision-making. The community still needs to agree on what to do about coins with lost or inaccessible private keys. Options include burning them, leaving them untouched, or slowing how they can be spent. Reaching an agreement may be difficult, especially given Bitcoin’s history of debates.