BNB Chain, a leading global Layer1 blockchain ecosystem, has released a new research report aimed at assessing how the BNB Smart Chain can migrate its core cryptographic systems to post-quantum (quantum-resistant) alternatives in the future. The report explores the practical implementation paths and performance impacts of replacing traditional blockchain cryptography with quantum-resistant methods, including adopting ML-DSA-44 as the transaction signature scheme and using pqSTARK for validator consensus signature aggregation.
Although quantum computing is not yet capable of practically breaking the cryptography of production-level blockchains in real-world systems, this research reflects a forward-looking layout for infrastructure resilience and long-term network security. The report evaluates several core areas of the BSC technical stack, including:
·Post-quantum transaction signature schemes
·Validator signature aggregation
·Transaction validation process
·Public key storage schemes
·Cross-regional network performance under increased data load
One key finding is that, technically, achieving post-quantum readiness is currently feasible but requires significant trade-offs in scalability. Test data shows:
·Transaction size increased from approximately 110 bytes to about 2.5 kilobytes
·Block size increased from approximately 110 kilobytes to about 2 megabytes
·TPS for native transfers decreased from 4,973 to 2,997
The report notes that the main performance bottleneck is not the signature verification itself, but the increased transaction and block sizes leading to higher cross-regional network transmission overhead.
At the same time, pqSTARK aggregation technology was proven to remain efficient. Validator signatures were compressed at a ratio of approximately 43:1, which helps keep consensus layer overhead manageable despite increased signature sizes.
The report also points out that several areas, including P2P handshakes and KZG commitments, with their post-quantum alternatives, were not within the scope of this evaluation. Migration in these areas requires broader ecosystem coordination and further research.
BNB Chain emphasizes that this work is intended as a research and evaluation exploration, not in response to any imminent security threat. The full report can be accessed by clicking here.
About BNB Chain
BNB Chain is one of the world's largest and most active blockchain ecosystems, supported by a global community of developers and users. With high throughput, low transaction costs, and full EVM compatibility, BNB Chain provides scalable application support for finance, gaming, and the broader Web3 economy.
