The topic of quantum computing has once again returned to the spotlight of the crypto market. The reason was statements by Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko, who questioned the resilience of Ethereum Layer 2 to future quantum threats and at the same time spoke about Solana’s progress toward post-quantum cryptography.
For the market, this is not an urgent risk yet. However, the industry is increasingly discussing a scenario in which current cryptographic mechanisms will cease to be reliable.
Solana Criticizes Ethereum L2 Architecture
Yakovenko stated that most second-layer solutions for Ethereum still rely on the old cryptographic model.
This refers to the ECDSA and secp256k1 algorithms, which are used for signatures and wallet protection. In theory, these could become vulnerable with the development of fully functional quantum computers.
The problem is broader than just Ethereum. A similar scheme underpins the security of many major blockchains, including Bitcoin and Solana itself.
The Industry Fears a ‘Hack Later’ Scenario
The main risk is not current attacks, but data accumulation. Experts are discussing a model in which attackers save encrypted information now to decrypt it in the future.
After a transaction is sent, the public key becomes visible on the network. If quantum systems reach the required level, this could potentially allow for the recovery of private keys.
That is why the topic is gradually moving out of the realm of theory. Major ecosystems are starting to prepare in advance.
Solana Promotes Its Own Post-Quantum Model
Amid the discussion, Solana developers have intensified work on the network’s quantum resistance.
The Anza and Firedancer teams have begun implementing the Falcon algorithm for post-quantum digital signatures. This is one of the next-generation cryptography options designed to protect against quantum computing.
For Solana, this is not just a technical update. The network is trying to maintain its main advantage—high transaction processing speed—even when switching to more complex cryptography.
A Full Transition Is Not Yet Considered
Despite the bold statements, Solana does not intend to urgently change the entire network architecture.
The ecosystem acknowledges that the quantum threat remains a long-term story. It may still be many years before truly dangerous quantum systems appear.
Therefore, the current stage is more like preparing the infrastructure. The main focus is on research, testing, and gradual adaptation of wallets and tools.
Layer 2 Intensifies Debate Around Ethereum
The discussion is not just about security. Yakovenko also criticized Ethereum’s scaling model through a large number of Layer 2 networks.
In his opinion, the ecosystem is becoming too fragmented. Users, liquidity, and applications are distributed among different rollups, weakening the overall network effect.
Ethereum supporters consider this model necessary. Without Layer 2, the network will not be able to support a global scale.
Quantum Security Becomes a New Area of Competition
Previously, blockchains mainly competed in speed and fees. Now, another factor is emerging—resistance to future technological threats.
Solana is trying to take a more aggressive position here. Ethereum is acting more cautiously and so far is not making quantum protection a central part of its strategy.
This could change how networks are perceived by institutional players, especially if the security issue begins to be discussed at the level of large financial companies.
The Market Remains Calm for Now
Most analysts do not consider the quantum threat a problem for the coming years. Modern computers are still unable to break the cryptography currently in use at scale.
Nevertheless, the market understands that the transition to new standards will take years. That is why developers are starting to move in advance.
Such changes cannot be implemented in just a few months. Updating large networks will require a lengthy adaptation of the entire infrastructure.
What's Next?
The next stage is testing post-quantum solutions in real-world conditions. The main question is how well such algorithms can maintain network performance.
New protection methods require more computing resources. For high-load blockchains, this could become a serious compromise.
If Solana can implement post-quantum cryptography without a noticeable loss of speed, this will strengthen the network’s position in the infrastructure race. Ethereum, meanwhile, will continue to seek a balance between scaling, security, and the complexity of its own Layer 2 ecosystem.
Read more: The Crypto Market Goes Mainstream as the Industry Shifts from Speculation to Infrastructure
