Quantum Resistant Ledger
The QRL is the first decentralized cryptocurrency which is implemented from the outset to be resistant to both classical and quantum computing attack. It uses a different system of cryptography to bitcoin (and all other altcoins) known as XMSS, which is a hash-based digital signature scheme, and provably quantum-resistant. The ledger will be the first to use quantum-resistant signatures on a blockchain, which provides an ultra secure store of value in the event of a sudden advance in quantum computing (rendering bitcoin, ethereum etc vulnerable to attack). The initial aim of the project is to establish a functional and secure blockchain on which more technology can be built, such as the Ephemeral post-quantum secure data channels.
Contents
Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) Review
Based upon the understanding that popular existing cryptographic signature schemes (such as ECDSA) in the cryptocurrency space are vulnerable to a sufficiently powerful quantum computer running Shor’s algorithm, QRL is addressing what will be a singular threat to the security of cryptocurrency going forward – the inevitability of quantum computing.
A Look Into The Future
We never like to bet against the future. The development of Quantum Computing has been non-linear up to this point, and we believe that is a trend that will continue into the future. With this in mind, we believe that there is no time like the present to prepare. The current state of Quantum Computing would have been hard to predict 5 years ago, and near impossible to predict 10 years ago. This is good to keep in mind whenever reading overly specific predictions about the technology that project out that far into the future.
QRL and Our Solution – Future Proofing the Blockchain
provides a blockchain that is resistant to both conventional and quantum computing attacks. The future of the internet will be built on decentralized protocols and abstraction layers, and we plan on being ready for that future, as well as any sudden quantum computing development (“Y2Q”) that may usher in that reality sooner than expected.
Our blockchain will utilize the previously vetted, provably secure Extended Merkle Signature Scheme XMSS to ensure that our network is resistant to quantum computing attacks. We aim to secure our network against not only the inevitability of quantum computing, and all that implies for the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, but also the potential for a black swan event to rapidly and irreversibly advance the technology with no immediate warning.
By utilizing an address format that allows us to change hash functions down the line if necessary, we have created a blockchain that is both secure today and adaptable tomorrow.
Specifications
- Name: Quantum Resistant Ledger
- Ticker: QRL
- PoW Algorithm: CryptoNight v7
- Block Target Time 60sec
- Decimal Places: 8
- Difficulty Adjustment: Re-targets at every block