Ethereum researchers say quantum-resistant account protection can be implemented through ERC-4337 smart accounts without a hard fork. A SPHINCS+ signature verification could cost about $0.07,
Ethereum researchers have outlined a way to add post-quantum account protection today without changing the network’s core protocol. According to Ethereum Foundation contributor Nico, the approach uses ERC-4337 smart accounts and costs about $0.07 per account on Ethereum’s Layer 1 testnet. The proposal comes as the Foundation expands efforts to prepare Ethereum for future quantum computing risks.
According to Nico and the Ethereum Foundation’s Kohaku project, users could voluntarily move to quantum-resistant accounts through ERC-4337 account abstraction. Notably, the design does not require a hard fork or network-wide upgrade.
Current Ethereum accounts rely on ECDSA signatures. Researchers have long warned that advanced quantum computers could eventually break that cryptographic system.
To address that concern, Kohaku proposes replacing traditional signatures with post-quantum alternatives at the account level. As a result, users could secure individual wallets without waiting for a protocol change.
The proposal recently completed an initial review with Fable. Meanwhile, additional audits remain planned before any broader rollout.
Alongside Kohaku, an Ethereum research forum proposal examined SPHINCS+, a post-quantum signature scheme selected by NIST. The research suggests Ethereum can verify these signatures directly on the Ethereum Virtual Machine.
According to the proposal, verifying a SPHINCS+ signature could cost roughly 150,000 gas. At current gas prices, that translates to about $0.07 per verification.
The research credits discussions and reviews from several Ethereum contributors. These include Vitalik Buterin, Justin Drake, Jean-Philippe Aumasson, Chelsea Komlo, Mauro Toscano, ZKnox, and members of the Ethereum Foundation cryptography team.
Importantly, researchers described the work as a proposal rather than a deployed network feature.
The Ethereum Foundation formally launched its Post-Quantum Security team in January 2026. Thomas Coratger leads the initiative, while Justin Drake has identified post-quantum security as a major research priority.
According to project details, the team holds biweekly developer meetings and supports research incentives focused on quantum-resistant infrastructure.
Researchers currently target around 2029 for broader protocol readiness supporting post-quantum signatures. However, account-level protection could arrive sooner through smart contract wallets.
According to the Ethereum Foundation, the Kohaku project also combines quantum resistance with privacy-focused features, placing both efforts within a broader security roadmap.
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