Podcast summary
The Quantum Question Panel – Live from zkSummit14
Assume quantum breaks ZK, upgrade now
Quantum “cryptographically relevant” computers—requiring fault-tolerant, error-corrected logical qubits—could let attackers recover private keys from public keys, breaking multiple blockchain cryptographic layers and ZK proof components, so protocol transitions must proceed on a security-driven timeline regardless of whether quantum arrives.
Error correction bottlenecks include fast decoders
The missing piece isn’t just having enough qubits: practical error correction also needs real-time classical decoding at ultra-low latency (e.g., ~thousand-times/second), which can lag quantum advances even when gate fidelities look sufficient.
A “rush to post-quantum” can increase risk
Migration effort itself creates attack surface: moving keys out of HSMs to compute MLDSA in plaintext CPUs is more likely to be compromised by ordinary hackers than by quantum attackers, and deadlines like “2029” mostly aim for upgrade margin.
Get smarter in 10 seconds
Koficast is a free newsletter delivering clear, high-signal takeaways like these from the best podcasts, picked for you.
Zero spam. Emails auto-pause if you’re not opening.