Ripple Prepares XRP Ledger For A Future Quantum Threat

Ripple released a roadmap whose role is to make the XRP Ledger compatible with post-quantum signatures by 2028. Indeed, the project plans tests, a coexistence period between the old and new systems, as well as a global network migration. However, this protection is not yet activated on the main network. No computer is yet capable of calculating the private keys used to control XRP accounts.

In brief

• Ripple prepares the XRP Ledger for post-quantum signatures by 2028.
• The migration will follow four phases, from testing to global network transition.
• Key rotation will facilitate the switch to new signature systems.
• Validators will have to approve the integration of post-quantum protections.
• Network performance and algorithm security remain at the core of tests.

Ripple organizes the XRP Ledger migration in four phases

While network activity explodes, Ayo Akinyele, Senior Director of Engineering at Ripple, explained in detail this strategy. For him, the company wants to prepare the infrastructure before quantum computers become an immediate threat.

The risk fundamentally rests on elliptic curve-based signatures. The XRP Ledger currently uses the secp256k1 and Ed25519 algorithms. Thus, a very powerful quantum computer would theoretically exploit a public key to find the equivalent private key. Then, it would sign transactions instead of the owner.

Here are the key steps of this program :

• The first phase provides an emergency procedure in case of sudden breakdown of current cryptography ;
• The second evaluates risks, post-quantum algorithms, and their performance consequences ;
• The third phase must make current and post-quantum signatures coexist on test networks ;
• The fourth aims for a general transition of the XRP Ledger by 2028 at the latest.

This guidance document was originally published by Ripple in April 2026. The company works with Project Eleven on various models. Thus, tests mainly concern validators, a post-quantum custody wallet as well as the behavior of new signatures under network usage conditions.

Ripple does not yet mention which final set of algorithms will be chosen. The company is still testing many systems recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It wants to keep some flexibility in order to be able to change the method if a weakness appears.

Key rotation facilitates transition without protecting the network

The XRP Ledger already has a function capable of simplifying the transition. An account can change its secondary authorization key without replacing the address or recreating its settings. The owner can therefore choose a new signature system while keeping the same account.

This ability, however, does not represent post-quantum protection. The XRP Ledger documentation certifies that the network currently accepts secp256k1 and Ed25519, two elliptic curve-based systems. New algorithms will need to be integrated before accounts are truly resistant to quantum attacks.

A public key of an account is visible on the blockchain when it signs a transaction. Such data presents no danger with classical computers. After a possible “Q-Day”, however, a hacker would try to use it to reconstruct the private key.

Ripple is therefore examining a recovery mechanism for accounts still linked to the old systems. A new solution relies on post-quantum zero-knowledge proofs. They could allow a user to prove they controlled an old key without revealing it during the migration. This approach remains in the research stage.

Validators will need to approve the protocol change

Ripple is not able to unilaterally impose the transition on the entire XRP Ledger. Independent validators must also coordinate the adoption of an amendment that will add post-quantum signatures to the network standards.

This change also raises many technical difficulties. New keys and signatures are usually larger. They can increase storage and bandwidth requirements, but also slow transaction verification. Tests must prove whether the XRP Ledger can maintain its performance despite this overhead.

A more radical measure is planned in the emergency plan if quantum computers evolve faster than expected. The network would then reject classical signatures and force owners to transfer their assets to secure post-quantum accounts.

Progress made by artificial intelligence also complicates the choice of algorithms. In July, Anthropic’s Claude Mythos model detected a more effective attack against HAWK, a candidate for the post-quantum signature status. Anthropic indicates that this discovery does not compromise any currently used system.

This episode nevertheless reveals that an algorithm qualified as post-quantum must still withstand human analysis and AI-conducted research. The 2028 deadline will therefore depend on technical results, but also on validator agreement and the integration of new signatures by wallets and exchanges.