Ethereum wants to guarantee 128 bits of security for its zkEVMs, but the proof is still missing
Ethereum has already won the battle of speed over zkEVMs. The one for security remains open. A research contest supported by the Ethereum Foundation still shows a gap of 52.14 bits between the results currently demonstrated on a cryptographic component. The network is aiming for demonstrable 128-bit security for its zkEVMs by early December. For now, no change threatens the current consensus.
Ethereum is targeting demonstrable 128-bit zkEVM security before December.
A benchmark still shows an unresolved range of 52.14 bits.
For now, zkEVM proofs remain complementary to the classic validation system.
Ethereum wants 128 bits of security
Ethereum has long been preparing for the arrival of zkEVMs directly on its main layer. The work initially focused on performance. By the end of 2025, the teams had managed to reduce the time needed to prove an Ethereum block from roughly 16 minutes to just a few seconds. Several zkVMs could already generate proofs for 99% of blocks in under ten seconds on the intended hardware.
Speed is no longer enough. The Ethereum Foundation now requires demonstrable 128-bit security. The teams will also need to produce final proofs of at most 300 Ko and accurately document how their different proof systems work together.
The next major deadline is early December. Before that, researchers still need to improve several cryptographic components. One of them is now in the spotlight.
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Ethereum has already won the battle of speed over zkEVMs. The one for security remains open. A research contest supported by the Ethereum Foundation still shows a gap of 52.14 bits between the results currently demonstrated on a cryptographic component. The network is aiming for demonstrable 128-bit security for its zkEVMs by early December. For now, no change threatens the current consensus.
Ethereum is targeting demonstrable 128-bit zkEVM security before December.
A benchmark still shows an unresolved range of 52.14 bits.
For now, zkEVM proofs remain complementary to the classic validation system.
Ethereum wants 128 bits of security
Ethereum has long been preparing for the arrival of zkEVMs directly on its main layer. The work initially focused on performance. By the end of 2025, the teams had managed to reduce the time needed to prove an Ethereum block from roughly 16 minutes to just a few seconds. Several zkVMs could already generate proofs for 99% of blocks in under ten seconds on the intended hardware.
Speed is no longer enough. The Ethereum Foundation now requires demonstrable 128-bit security. The teams will also need to produce final proofs of at most 300 Ko and accurately document how their different proof systems work together.
The next major deadline is early December. Before that, researchers still need to improve several cryptographic components. One of them is now in the spotlight.
$ETH
$ZKC
$BITX.ETF
#Ethereum