The Ethereum Foundation has decided to modify its post-quantum development strategy, abandoning the use of the Poseidon hash function. This change is supported by recent technological advancements in SNARK proofs, which allow the use of more established cryptographic alternatives without sacrificing network performance.
Farewell to Poseidon and return to the classics
According to researcher Justin Drake, the Ethereum Foundation will abandon Poseidon in its post-quantum architecture in favor of more established alternatives like SHA or BLAKE. In the crypto ecosystem, a hash function is a fundamental pillar: it acts as a mathematical algorithm that converts any data input into a fixed-length string of characters, a kind of unique and unrepeatable digital fingerprint. This allows network nodes to constantly verify that transaction information has not been altered by third parties.
Initially, Poseidon was seen as the ideal choice for future network systems, especially those designed to efficiently process and verify large volumes of activity using advanced cryptography. However, technological evolution has shown that classic algorithms, which have been in use and constantly revised in the computer industry for decades, can be perfectly adapted to new needs if combined with the appropriate cryptographic tools.
What is the post-quantum threat to blockchain?
To understand the magnitude of this technical decision, it is vital to grasp the context of quantum computing and its potential impact. Traditional computers process information in bits (zeros and ones), while quantum computers use qubits, enabling them to perform complex calculations at unimaginable speeds. This theoretical capability poses a long-term risk to current cryptographic standards, such as elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), which is responsible for securing wallets and transactions in the vast majority of current blockchain networks.
The transition to a post-quantum architecture aims precisely to protect the network against future attacks from supercomputers. Theoretical algorithms could potentially crack private keys if they had access to a sufficiently powerful quantum computer. Therefore, the developer community has spent years researching how to upgrade the network's foundations so that, when quantum technology becomes an accessible reality, user assets and data remain completely secure under the umbrella of global regulations and standards.
The role of SNARKs in the new strategy
The main reason behind this technical shift lies in the rapid evolution of SNARKs (Concise Non-Interactive Knowledge Arguments). These compact cryptographic proofs serve to confirm that a complex calculation has been performed correctly without revealing the underlying data or forcing other nodes to repeat the computational work. Drake points out that recent advances in this technology have dramatically improved its performance and efficiency, making the use of experimental hash functions like Poseidon unnecessary.
With this move, Ethereum demonstrates its pragmatic adaptability, prioritizing proven security and long-term stability while actively preparing for the era of quantum computing.
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