Vitalik Buterin presents the "proof of abandonment" for a secure Ethereum against quantum computing

not_your_keys · 2026-01-13T01:21:33+00:00

Vitalik Buterin proposed a "proof of abandonment" framework to ensure Ethereum's long-term security against quantum computing, suggesting it should operate independently without ongoing updates. He highlighted the necessity of achieving quantum resistance and laid out seven technical milestones to sustain decentralization and resilience.

not_your_keys

2026-01-13 01:21:33

Abstract generation in progress

Source: Yellow Original Title: Vitalik Buterin presents “Proof of Abandonment” for secure Ethereum against quantum computing

Original Link: https://yellow.com/es/news/vitalik-buterin-presenta-la-prueba-de-abandono-para-un-ethereum-seguro-ante-la-computaciQuantum Computing Ethereum (ETH), co-founder Vitalik Buterin, introduced a technical framework for the blockchain to operate securely even if all major developers disappear.

In a post on X dated January 12, Buterin introduced the “proof of abandonment” as a reference to assess whether Ethereum can operate independently without continuous protocol updates.

The vision requires Ethereum to reach a state where the base layer can “fossilize” and remain useful and secure for decades.

What happened

Buterin emphasized quantum resistance as the top priority, arguing that the protocol should achieve cryptographic security for 100 years.

He described seven technical milestones including full quantum resistance, scalability to thousands of transactions per second via ZK-EVM and PeerDAS, state management, account abstraction, and gas prices resistant to denial-of-service attacks.

The network must maintain a decentralized proof-of-stake economy and censorship-resistant block construction.

Buterin compared the goal to owning a hammer: once acquired, it functions independently of the manufacturer.

Why it matters

The framework represents a shift from continuous updates toward fundamental protocol finality.

Buterin warned against delaying secure cryptography against quantum computing for short-term efficiency gains, noting that protocols cannot afford last-minute security transitions.

PeerDAS data availability sampling is already running on the mainnet, while ZK-EVMs have reached the alpha phase with production-quality performance.

Future changes should be made through parameter adjustments rather than total protocol revisions, similar to how validators currently vote on gas limits.

Buterin emphasized that applications requiring minimized trusted infrastructure cannot operate on a base layer dependent on provider updates.

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SerumSquirrel

· 4h ago

Quantum computing, this damn thing, will eventually destroy our encrypted assets. Vitalik played his hand early enough.

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RunWithRugs

· 14h ago

Still hyping up quantum computing? Vitalik really knows how to market himself. Let's solve the current problems first.

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SatoshiChallenger

· 14h ago

Here's another quantum-resistant solution, interesting. But look, how long have these "future protections" proposals been around? Data shows how many have actually been implemented? The irony is that we're still researching how to defend against quantum, and the industry is still debating when quantum computing will threaten blockchain. Instead of wasting effort on this, it's better to address the current issues first. Let's talk about this again in half a year and see if anyone has actually adopted it.

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FloorPriceWatcher

· 14h ago

Quantum computing is here, and Ethereum really needs to prepare in advance.

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StablecoinGuardian

· 14h ago

Quantum computing hasn't arrived yet, and Vitalik is already working on something new.

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GameFiCritic

· 14h ago

Regarding quantum computing, I have to say that Vitalik's move is indeed visionary, but we need to see how long this "abandonment of proof" can last. This is not just a simple technical upgrade; it involves a complete overhaul of the ecosystem's incentives. Balancing gameplay and economic performance is the key. In plain terms, there will inevitably be initial pain, but only in the long run can we see the quality leverage.

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MetaEggplant

· 14h ago

Quantum computing is here, and Vitalik is stirring things up again... This guy just can't sit still.

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