Solana takes the lead in the race to protect full signatures from quantum threats

On December 16th, Solana announced a strategic partnership with Project Eleven regarding post-quantum cryptocurrency security. This move marks a significant milestone as Solana becomes one of the leading Layer-1 networks publicly deploying a fully functional, post-quantum signature architecture with complete features.

Operational Prototype: Solana Proves the Impossible Is Possible

Project Eleven has deployed a testnet of Solana capable of running a complete post-quantum signature implementation from input to output. Most notably, this system supports real transactions with high scalability, protected by cryptographic mechanisms resistant to quantum attacks. This demonstrates that Solana can transition to new encryption technology without sacrificing processing performance — an issue that many other blockchains have yet to resolve.

In comparison, most major blockchains today, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, still use traditional signature methods vulnerable to future quantum technology.

Hidden Risks Identified by Solana

As part of the collaboration, Project Eleven conducted an in-depth assessment of how advances in quantum technology could weaken Solana’s infrastructure. The report comprehensively analyzed threats: from validator identity verification, user wallet exposure risks, to “store now, decrypt later” attacks — techniques allowing malicious actors to store encrypted blockchain data today, waiting for sufficiently powerful quantum computers to decrypt it.

Additionally, the report details risk mitigation measures that the ecosystem needs to prepare for as quantum technology gradually becomes practically applicable.

Core System Upgrade: Solana Sets a Model for the Future

The timing of this announcement is no coincidence. Solana is in the process of transitioning to a more flexible architecture, including a second client soon to be announced and advanced consensus mechanisms. Incorporating quantum security layers based on these upgrades allows Solana to maintain its performance advantage while building a security foundation for decades to come.

Matt Sorg, Vice President of Engineering at Solana Foundation, emphasized: “Our responsibility is to ensure the safety of Solana not only now but also in the long-term future. Initiatives like Project Eleven demonstrate concrete, timely actions to strengthen the network and maintain leadership.”

Strategic Significance of This Step

Quantum security is no longer an academic topic — it is becoming an official criterion used by organizations to evaluate blockchain infrastructure. As quantum computers become a reality, they will have the ability to derive private keys from public addresses, impersonate validators, or alter high-value transaction histories.

Solana’s proactive approach shows they are prepared for the scenario where transitioning to quantum-safe encryption becomes an industry requirement. This partnership also reflects a broader trend: large enterprises and ecosystems are beginning to see post-quantum cryptography as essential infrastructure, not a distant future topic.

By investing early in fully post-quantum signature technology, Solana has already taken the lead over most other major blockchains preparing for long-term cryptographic upgrades. Their model could become a blueprint for next-generation cybersecurity.