Quantum Computers – Real Threat or Just Hype?
As part of the discussions around a possible update to IE 2.0, which is being considered by the ieKernTeam, I asked myself one key question:
What happens once quantum computers become powerful enough to break today’s cryptography?
Especially for a blockchain like Infinity-Economics, which is designed for long-term stability, this question cannot be ignored. So, I gathered the key points and asked ChatGPT for input. The result is a simple Q&A session that explains the topic in clear terms:
Do we already need to worry today?
Which parts of IE would be affected?
Are there already solutions?
And what does this mean for users and the roadmap of IE 2.0?
Here are the answers – clear and to the point.
Schoepi asks, ChatGPT answers
Schoepi:
Should I worry that quantum computers will soon break Infinity-Economics?
ChatGPT:
No, not today. Quantum computers that can realistically break our signatures simply do not exist yet. There is research, of course, but a “cryptographically relevant quantum computer” is still far away.
Schoepi:
Which parts of IE would actually be affected?
ChatGPT:
Only the signatures – the cryptographic keys you use to authorize transactions. Hash functions like SHA-256 are much more robust and remain safe against quantum attacks, especially if the output length is increased.
Schoepi:
What does this mean for my wallet?
ChatGPT:
As long as your public key has not yet been revealed on the network (meaning you have never sent a transaction), there is nothing an attacker could store and later break. But if your public key is already public, you should migrate to a post-quantum solution in the medium term.
Schoepi:
Do I need to take action right now?
ChatGPT:
No. For now, you can stay relaxed. What matters is that Infinity-Economics has a roadmap to migrate to post-quantum signatures in time.
Schoepi:
What about the “harvest now, decrypt later” problem?
ChatGPT:
That is real. Attackers could collect public keys and transactions today and later – once quantum computers are ready – try to forge them retroactively. That’s why IE 2.0 should move to hybrid or post-quantum signatures sooner rather than later.
Schoepi:
Are there already quantum-safe algorithms that IE could use?
ChatGPT:
Yes, and they are standardized:
Dilithium (ML-DSA) for signatures
Kyber (ML-KEM) for key exchange
SPHINCS+ as an extremely secure, hash-based alternative
These algorithms were officially standardized by NIST in 2024 and are ready to use.
Schoepi:
How could Infinity-Economics actually implement this?
ChatGPT:
With a pragmatic plan:
Introduce hybrid signatures (classic + post-quantum together).
Add a new address format for PQ keys.
Provide a wallet update that makes migration simple.
Decide on a DAO timeline: optional first, mandatory later.
Schoepi:
And what should I do as a user?
ChatGPT:
If your public key has never been revealed: stay relaxed and wait until PQ wallets are available.
If your public key is already public: migrate to a hybrid or PQ account in the medium term – especially if you hold larger amounts.
Schoepi:
So is it a real threat or not?
ChatGPT:
In short: No threat today, but prepare for tomorrow.
Infinity-Economics should set the course now – that way it will remain secure even in a quantum world.
And what does this mean for us?
The answers make it clear: quantum computers are no reason to panic today – but they are a topic we cannot lose sight of in the further development of Infinity-Economics. This is exactly where the planning for IE 2.0 comes in: the ieKernTeam can take precautions in time, ensuring that IE remains stable and secure in the future.
Conclusion
Quantum computers are fascinating – and one day, they will pose a real challenge to the blockchain world. For Infinity-Economics, however, the message is clear: no need to panic today. The technology simply isn’t advanced enough yet to realistically break our signatures.
What matters now is foresight instead of haste. With IE 2.0, we have the chance to set the course in time: hybrid signatures, new address formats, and user-friendly wallet updates will provide future security – without rushed action today.
For you as a user this means: stay calm, stay alert, and migrate to post-quantum solutions once they are available. That way, Infinity-Economics will remain sovereign and independent – even in a quantum world.