NEAR Protocol Introduces Post-Quantum Cryptography Upgrade

NEAR Protocol announced on X that it is integrating post-quantum cryptography into its blockchain, aiming to strengthen long-term security against potential quantum computing threats.

As part of the upgrade, the NEAR One team is implementing the NIST-approved FIPS-204 lattice-based signature scheme, which will become the network’s first post-quantum signature option.

Once deployed, the update will allow users to rotate account keys in a single transaction, improving both security and flexibility. This aligns with NEAR’s account model, which separates accounts from cryptographic keys and relies on rotatable access keys rather than fixed key bindings.

The project is also collaborating with hardware and software wallet providers to ensure post-quantum compatibility across the ecosystem.

Beyond individual accounts, NEAR’s chain signature feature already supports threshold signatures across more than 35 blockchains. Building on this, the NEAR Intents team is developing a quantum-safe cross-chain signature system designed to extend secure interoperability between networks.

NEAR also suggested that if other blockchains adopt post-quantum systems more slowly, its infrastructure could help provide a quantum-safe execution environment in the interim.

Looking ahead, the network expects broader upgrades across its stack, including changes to consensus, validator operations, block syncing, and transaction signatures for full post-quantum readiness.

Source: X (Formerly Twitter)