Conclusion
It is not just Blockchain that is on a collision course with quantum computing. It is almost the entire internet that is at risk. Quantum computing is a serious threat, not just to Blockchain platforms, but to all platforms using techniques like RSA and ECC. However, there are solutions in the form of quantum-proof cryptography for both the internet and the Blockchain industry. Adopting these techniques would necessitate careful consideration of the application and context in which these techniques will be deployed.
I must admit that this chapter has been quite a technical one. However, I have tried to simplify the narrative around cryptography as much as possible. I have covered the key cryptographic techniques, RSA and ECC, and their applications across the internet and Blockchain solutions.
I then touched upon how and why they are at risk once quantum computers go mainstream. There is still a lot of hype around when that will be. Some say it is 2027, some argue...