Post-quantum cryptography is rapidly emerging as a critical topic in blockchain security. The latest developments are detailed in a new report released by the BNB Chain Research team. The study reveals that adopting quantum-resistant signature algorithms for future protection could require major changes to the core infrastructure of blockchain systems.
BNB Chain’s strategy for post-quantum migration
The BNB Chain team has evaluated replacing current cryptographic standards like ECDSA and BLS with the more secure, quantum-resistant ML-DSA-44 signature algorithm and pqSTARK aggregation method. While ML-DSA-44 produces larger signatures than classical algorithms, it is positioned as a faster and more compact alternative that aims to maintain network efficiency as much as possible.
The research highlights key changes in transaction and block sizes if BNB Chain transitions to post-quantum algorithms. On the current BSC network, an average transaction is about 110 bytes. With ML-DSA-44, this would soar to 2.5 kilobytes per transaction. Similarly, standard block sizes—currently around 130 kilobytes—could increase up to 2 megabytes under the new system.
Network efficiency and congestion concerns
This dramatic growth would have a significant impact on network performance. Tests showed that as block propagation between nodes slowed down, transaction throughput dropped by approximately 40 to 50 percent. These delays become even more pronounced during periods of high network load, noticeably increasing confirmation times across different regions.
According to the BNB Chain Research report, the main bottleneck does not stem from changes in the consensus mechanism. Instead, the challenge lies in transmitting the much larger data volumes across the network. The pqSTARK method can compress validator signature data by a factor of 43, partially optimizing the consensus process. However, the overall increase in data size may force significant new infrastructure investments.
The report concluded that while the current network architecture is technically prepared for post-quantum cryptography in the short term, the resulting large data loads would seriously affect transaction speed and efficiency.
No immediate risk for users
At present, networks like BSC and Bitcoin have no known vulnerabilities to quantum attacks. The report emphasizes that post-quantum research is a precautionary, long-term effort rather than an urgent response. Quantum computers are not yet capable of breaking real-world blockchain encryption schemes under current conditions.
Experts stress that high-transaction networks such as BNB Chain will need to redesign their infrastructure to accommodate the increased data loads post-quantum cryptography would bring. Large-scale upgrades may be necessary to maintain the fast, scalable, and secure operations expected from modern blockchain platforms.
