Blockchain networks may need to adopt new ownership verification systems to protect user assets if quantum attacks ever compromise wallet private keys, according to a warning from blockchain security firm Near One. The statement, released this week, underscores a growing unease in the crypto industry about the eventual threat quantum computing poses to the cryptographic foundations of most blockchains.
The quantum threat to wallets
Quantum computers, once powerful enough, could theoretically break the elliptic-curve cryptography that secures most blockchain wallets. An attacker who recovers a private key from a public key could drain funds or expose transaction histories — a nightmare for privacy and asset security. Near One's alert focuses on the risk of private asset exposure if such an attack succeeds, rather than just theft.
Near One's proposed fix
The firm argues that simply relying on private keys is no longer enough. Blockchains need a second layer — a new ownership verification system that can confirm a user's right to an asset even if their key is compromised. Near One didn't detail a specific technical solution, but the concept points toward post-quantum signatures, multi-factor ownership proofs, or stateful verification schemes that tie ownership to something beyond a key pair.
What this means for the industry
The warning arrives as many blockchain projects are just beginning to explore quantum-resistant upgrades. No major network has yet deployed a full post-quantum signature scheme, and standards remain in flux. Near One's statement is a reminder that the window for preparation is narrowing — especially for networks that hold large amounts of private user data or high-value assets. The firm didn't name any specific blockchain or exchange, but the message is broad: start planning now.
The next concrete step? Expect more discussion at upcoming cryptography and blockchain conferences, and possibly the first testnets running quantum-resistant verification. For now, the industry is watching and waiting — but the clock is ticking.
