A draft proposal would allow validators to deposit with quantum-resistant keys, then permanently stop accepting the format the network runs on today.

$ETH researchers proposed rebuilding the network’s validator deposit contract to support new cryptographic systems and eventually stop accepting deposits secured by existing BLS signatures.

The change is intended to protect the blockchain from quantum attacks that could forge validator signatures, potentially threatening about 42.4 million staked $ETH worth roughly $104 billion.

The proposal remains an early draft and requires additional protocol changes, with the $Ethereum Foundation targeting around 2029 for core quantum-resistant upgrades.