Metaverse Intelligence Bureau News: Protecting blockchain from quantum threats? Engineers explain how Aptos' AIP-137 proposal will harden the future of Web3. #Aptos #QuantumResilience #Blockchain

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Aptos Proposes AIP-137 To Introduce Post-Quantum Signatures For Enhanced Security

👋 Web3 developers, as quantum computing looms, innovations that will shape the future of blockchain security are underway!

Security is a perpetual challenge for anyone involved in blockchain development. As advances in quantum computing increasingly threaten current encryption methods, the preemptive efforts of projects like Aptos are both exciting and practically necessary. This proposal is not just an update, but a step towards increasing the durability of the entire Web3 ecosystem. As an engineer, this should be an opportunity to understand these innovations and consider how to incorporate them into your own projects. (Approximately 250 characters)

Background and Issues (Web2 vs. Web3)

In the Web2 era, much of security relied on centralized servers, such as large platforms that centralized user data, making them vulnerable to hacking.

In contrast, Web3 is based on distributed ledger technology (DLT), with authenticity of ownership guaranteed by the blockchain. However, the rise of quantum computing presents new challenges.

Quantum computers are currentlyECDSA and RSAThis could potentially break public key cryptography such as , threatening the signing mechanism of blockchain networks. Aptos' AIP-137 proposal is a proactive solution to this.

The inefficiencies of centralization in Web2 lead to frequent data leaks and the dilution of user ownership, while the strength of Web3 is the irreversibility of transactions, but there is a risk that quantum threats could neutralize this.

Against this backdrop, Aptos has proposed introducing optional post-quantum signatures to ensure the long-term durability of the network, allowing developers to build quantum-resistant systems.

Explanation of the technology and mechanisms (The Core)

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Aptos' AIP-137SLH-DSA-SHA2-128sWe introduce a hash-based post-quantum signature scheme called , which is a NIST-standard quantum-resistant algorithm and is an optional complement to existing Ed25519 signatures.

Technically, this signature is stateless hash-based, quantum-resistant, and can be optionally enabled at the account level on the Aptos network, without affecting existing accounts.

The rollout will be conservative and gradual, first on a testnet and then in production, allowing developers to build quantum-safe transactions.

Visualize Web2 vs. Web3, old vs. new technologies with our comparison chart.

As can be seen from this table, AIP-137 will smooth the transition to the quantum era and provide new tools for developers. SLH-DSA has a large signature size (approximately 9KB), which may impact performance, but this can be optimized through integration with Aptos' Move language.

Furthermore, combined with Aptos' BFT-based consensus mechanism, the security of the entire network will be enhanced, allowing developers to leverage SLH-DSA in Move smart contracts to build quantum-safe dApps.

As a technological innovation, this proposal advances the cryptographic foundations of blockchain and improves interoperability. Other chains, such as Solana, are also making similar moves, potentially setting an industry-wide standard.

Impact and use cases

For the tech community, the impact of AIP-137 is immense: first, the introduction of quantum-resistant signatures will ensure long-term security and extend the lifespan of development projects.

As an example of its use, consider the development of DeFi protocols. While traditional signatures pose the risk of token theft through quantum attacks, SLH-DSA can protect accounts. Developers can design wallets incorporating this technology to protect user assets.

Another example is NFT marketplaces, where quantum-resistant proof of ownership stabilizes the value of digital assets. Engineers can implement custom signatures in the Move module to build their own secure ecosystems.

Additionally, for cross-chain applications, Aptos' quantum-safe signatures enhance the reliability of bridges, and integration with Polkadot and Cosmos enables a quantum-resistant multi-chain environment.

Another benefit is improved development efficiency. Because it's an optional implementation, teams can migrate incrementally without breaking existing code, allowing them to add quantum security as a bonus feature.

Additionally, AIP-137 provides an open-source platform for researchers to participate in discussions and propose improvements on GitHub.

Action Guide

The first step to understanding this technology is to read the official Aptos documentation. Check out the details of AIP-137 in the official GitHub repository.

Next, try out SLH-DSA on the testnet by creating a simple smart contract using the Move language and verifying that the signature works.

Join the community forum and discuss with other developers about quantum resistance on Discord and Reddit.

Furthermore, he studied related papers (NIST SLH-DSA specifications) to acquire basic knowledge of quantum computing and consider applying it to his own projects.

Finally, DYOR: conduct your own testing using primary sources.

Future prospects and risks

Looking ahead, AIP-137 will bring Web3 into the quantum era and lay the foundation for blockchain to become a mainstream technology, leading to other chains following suit and industry standardization.

In terms of technological advances, signature size optimization and hybrid signatures may emerge, and in terms of regulations, quantum resistance standards may be established internationally.

The risks are a decrease in performance at the time of implementation, and an increase in gas fees due to the increased signature size that increases transaction costs.

Regarding security risks, immature implementation could create new vulnerabilities. The timing of the practical application of quantum computers is also unclear, and excessive investment could lead to volatility.

Furthermore, changes in regulations may restrict quantum-related technologies. Developers should monitor these changes and respond flexibly.

My Feelings, Then and Now

Aptos' AIP-137 heralds a new era in blockchain security with the introduction of post-quantum signatures. As technologists, here's your chance to take advantage of this innovation and build sustainable dApps.

However, the true value of Web3 lies in this steady evolution, as we must carefully assess the risks and not be fooled by short-term hype.

engagement

How will you incorporate quantum-resistant technology into your own projects? Share in the comments! We'd love to hear about similar proposals from other chains.

👨‍💻 Author: SnowJon (Web3/AI Practitioner)

Based on the knowledge gained in the University of Tokyo's Blockchain Innovation course, he analyzes and explains Web3 and AI technologies from a practical perspective.
We place importance on translating difficult technologies into a form that can be understood.
*AI was used to compose and draft this article, but the author is responsible for final confirmation and responsibility of the content.

Reference links and sources

• Aptos Proposes AIP-137 To Introduce Post-Quantum Signatures For Enhanced Security
• Aptos Advances Quantum-Resistant Security for Blockchain Users
• Quantum-Proof Solana & Aptos: Crypto Security Boost
• AIP-137 Proposal: How Aptos Is Preparing For The Quantum Computing Era
• Aptos post quantum: SLH-DSA-SHA2-128s rollout explained