According to WuSay, Vitalik Buterin mentioned quantum computing as an incentive to drive certain technological changes when discussing its impact on cryptocurrency and network security.
He noted that externally owned accounts (EOAs) on Ethereum may become obsolete because quantum computing could eventually crack the currently widely used ECDSA.
Quantum computers can use Shor's algorithm to factor large numbers, which is the basis of RSA encryption security, and can also crack ECDSA, which relies on elliptic curves.
Once quantum computers become powerful enough, they will be able to break existing encryption techniques, rendering many systems based on these techniques insecure.
The “incentive” Vitalik mentioned refers to the threat of quantum computing prompting developers to find more secure encryption methods, including the development of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms.
For Ethereum, this means integrating quantum-resistant cryptography to ensure long-term security and stability, which may involve changes to core mechanisms such as key generation, transaction signing and verification.
