Ripple Unveils Two-Year Plan to Quantum-Proof XRP Ledger by 2028

Quantum computing is no longer a distant theoretical threat—it’s a looming reality for blockchain networks. Ripple, the company behind XRP, is taking urgent action to future-proof the XRP Ledger against quantum attacks by 2028.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Ripple acknowledged that the quantum computing threat has shifted from theoretical to credible, driven in part by recent research from Google Quantum AI. The findings highlight that advanced quantum computers could break the cryptographic foundations most blockchains rely on today.

Ripple is now joining Bitcoin and Ethereum in the race to develop quantum-resistant solutions. While no quantum computer currently exists with the power to compromise blockchain security, experts warn of a “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy. This involves hackers collecting public blockchain data today and decrypting it once quantum computers mature.

Researchers at Chaincode Labs estimate that up to 50% of all Bitcoin could be at risk from future quantum attacks. The urgency has prompted calls from Wall Street leaders for Bitcoin developers to prioritize quantum defenses.

Ripple’s Four-Phase Quantum-Resistant Roadmap

Ripple’s strategy consists of four key phases:

• Phase 1: Testing quantum-resistant security methods recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has already begun.
• Phase 2: By late 2026, Ripple plans to integrate these methods alongside existing security protocols on test networks.
• Phase 3: Full transition to quantum-resistant security is targeted for 2028.
• Emergency Plan: If quantum computers breach current security before 2028, Ripple will halt acceptance of old-style signatures and mandate users migrate funds to quantum-safe accounts.

Industry-Wide Quantum Defense Efforts

The threat is not isolated to Ripple. Other major networks are also taking steps:

• Ethereum: The Ethereum Foundation published a four-pronged plan in March to protect the $278 billion network, aiming for completion by 2029. While researchers believe quantum computing may not be “cryptographically relevant” for another 8–12 years, they are acting preemptively.
• Bitcoin: Developers have proposed BIP-360 and BIP-361 to mitigate quantum risks. BIP-361 suggests freezing coins that haven’t moved in over a decade, including the 1.1 million Bitcoin attributed to Satoshi Nakamoto.

“Recent research from Google Quantum AI is bringing renewed attention to what quantum computing could mean for the crypto industry. The findings show that the cryptography most blockchains rely on today can be broken by sufficiently advanced quantum computers.”
— Ripple

Ripple’s proactive stance raises a critical question: How many other blockchain networks are preparing for quantum threats, and how many are waiting to see if the risk materializes before taking action?