Stellar has introduced a comprehensive Quantum Preparedness Plan (QPP), outlining a multi-year strategy designed to transition its blockchain network toward quantum-resistant cryptography. The initiative seeks to safeguard the network against future threats posed by increasingly powerful quantum computers while maintaining compatibility with existing accounts, addresses, and transaction records.
Preparing for the Quantum Computing Era
According to Stellar’s latest announcement, the Quantum Preparedness Plan is intended to strengthen the network’s long-term security by enabling every account on the blockchain to support quantum-resistant signatures. The initiative is expected to culminate in a native protocol upgrade by the end of 2027, allowing users to add quantum-safe signers to their accounts without disrupting existing functionality.
The move comes amid growing concerns that future quantum computers could eventually undermine widely used cryptographic systems. Researchers have warned that sufficiently advanced quantum machines running Shor’s algorithm may be capable of breaking elliptic curve cryptography, including the Ed25519 signature scheme currently used by Stellar and many other blockchain networks.
Recent developments in the scientific community have intensified these concerns. Researchers at INRIA reportedly reduced the number of logical qubits required to compromise 256-bit elliptic curve cryptography. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has revised its risk assessment timeline, suggesting that practical threats could emerge by 2029 or even sooner. Several major technology organizations are also targeting post-quantum readiness within a similar timeframe.
Key Risks Identified by Stellar
Stellar highlighted two primary security concerns associated with quantum computing. The first involves the potential compromise of validator signatures, which could affect network consensus and overall blockchain security. The second, and potentially more significant threat, involves account takeovers resulting from the ability to derive private keys from publicly available cryptographic information.
The challenge is particularly significant because many blockchain accounts remain inactive for extended periods. Dormant accounts could become vulnerable if users fail to migrate to more secure cryptographic standards before quantum threats become practical.
Structural Advantage Supports Migration
One of Stellar’s key advantages lies in its account architecture. Unlike many blockchain networks where addresses are directly linked to public keys, Stellar separates account identities from signing keys. This design allows users to update or replace signers through existing account management functions without changing wallet addresses or transferring funds.
Stellar’s account structure enables users to adopt quantum-safe signing methods without changing addresses or migrating assets, simplifying the transition process significantly.
Three-Phase Quantum Preparedness Plan
The roadmap will be implemented in three stages over the coming years.
During the first phase in 2026, Stellar plans to introduce support for post-quantum signature verification within Soroban smart contracts. The network will initially support NIST-approved standards, including ML-DSA-44 and ML-DSA-65. This stage will enable enterprises and wallet providers to begin migrating to quantum-safe contract accounts.
The second phase, scheduled for 2027, will involve a Core Advancement Proposal introducing native quantum-safe signer types for traditional accounts. Existing account holders will be able to add quantum-resistant signers alongside their current Ed25519 keys.
Quantum computers will eventually break the cryptography behind nearly every blockchain. This threat will extend far beyond blockchain to every major industry.
When, not if.
On most chains, going quantum-safe means moving every asset to a brand-new account.
On Stellar, you…
— Build on Stellar (@BuildOnStellar) June 9, 2026
By 2027, all Stellar accounts are expected to gain access to native quantum-safe signer options through a protocol upgrade based on established post-quantum cryptographic standards.
The final phase will focus on the gradual retirement of Ed25519 signatures for new transactions. The timeline for this transition will depend on developments in quantum computing and the readiness of the broader ecosystem. Stellar also indicated that community discussions would help determine how dormant accounts should be handled, including potential recovery solutions.
Ecosystem-Wide Collaboration Required
The initiative builds upon existing NIST standards and incorporates lessons from post-quantum planning efforts across the blockchain sector. However, Stellar acknowledged that additional research is still required for zero-knowledge proof systems that rely on cryptographic curves vulnerable to quantum attacks.
The Quantum Preparedness Plan represents a long-term effort to future-proof the Stellar network against emerging quantum threats while preserving compatibility for users, developers, enterprises, and infrastructure providers.
Successful implementation will require coordination among validators, wallet providers, custodians, anchors, exchanges, and developers. The Stellar Development Foundation plans to publish technical specifications, facilitate community discussions, and begin rolling out protocol upgrades in the weeks ahead.
While the initiative does not suggest an immediate security emergency, it reflects the growing importance of preparing blockchain infrastructure for the next generation of computing technology. The effectiveness of the transition will ultimately depend on widespread participation and smooth adoption across the Stellar ecosystem.
