Vitalik says AI could break a class of cryptographic algorithms within two years—and this is more urgent than quantum computing
I got a bit of a chill down my spine after reading this
A recent breakthrough in AI math has sent shockwaves through the crypto community. Vitalik said publicly that, at this rate, AI could crack lattice-based cryptography within two years. Keep in mind: lattice cryptography is the very approach people have been preparing to use to defend against quantum computing.
In other words, we were worried about quantum computing, but AI might get there first.
An Ethereum researcher has already called for preparing “bunker mode” early—that is, planning for the worst. Vitalik’s stance is more measured: he favors hash-based signatures, which are already on Ethereum’s roadmap. He also cautioned people not to rush into moving their addresses or making random changes; reckless actions are more likely to cause trouble than the risk itself.
The market has already reacted.
STRK surged more than 40% against the trend after StarkWare’s CEO proposed making Starknet independent from Ethereum as an L1, arguing that it could complete its post-quantum upgrade faster that way. When something can rise 40% in a down market, it shows that money is genuinely betting on this narrative.
There’s another coincidence: 100 BTC mined in 2010, dormant for 16 years, suddenly moved this week. They’re worth more than $8.3 million. The coins weren’t sold; they were simply split between two new addresses. With an old address like that, the biggest concern is cryptography being broken. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone moved their coins preemptively.
My take is that post-quantum and AI-resistant security will be major narratives for a long time to come. They may not play out immediately, but every new breakthrough will bring another round of hype.
There are a few simple things ordinary people can do: keep your private keys safe, don’t mess with old wallets, and follow the upgrade progress of each chain.
I got a bit of a chill down my spine after reading this
A recent breakthrough in AI math has sent shockwaves through the crypto community. Vitalik said publicly that, at this rate, AI could crack lattice-based cryptography within two years. Keep in mind: lattice cryptography is the very approach people have been preparing to use to defend against quantum computing.
In other words, we were worried about quantum computing, but AI might get there first.
An Ethereum researcher has already called for preparing “bunker mode” early—that is, planning for the worst. Vitalik’s stance is more measured: he favors hash-based signatures, which are already on Ethereum’s roadmap. He also cautioned people not to rush into moving their addresses or making random changes; reckless actions are more likely to cause trouble than the risk itself.
The market has already reacted.
STRK surged more than 40% against the trend after StarkWare’s CEO proposed making Starknet independent from Ethereum as an L1, arguing that it could complete its post-quantum upgrade faster that way. When something can rise 40% in a down market, it shows that money is genuinely betting on this narrative.
There’s another coincidence: 100 BTC mined in 2010, dormant for 16 years, suddenly moved this week. They’re worth more than $8.3 million. The coins weren’t sold; they were simply split between two new addresses. With an old address like that, the biggest concern is cryptography being broken. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone moved their coins preemptively.
My take is that post-quantum and AI-resistant security will be major narratives for a long time to come. They may not play out immediately, but every new breakthrough will bring another round of hype.
There are a few simple things ordinary people can do: keep your private keys safe, don’t mess with old wallets, and follow the upgrade progress of each chain.