The Ethereum Foundation has decided to move away from the Poseidon hash function in its strategies for post-quantum security, according to researcher Justin Drake. This change shifts the focus toward well-established cryptographic options like SHA and BLAKE.
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AAPLShift from Poseidon to Established Algorithms
Drake stated that the foundation evaluated Poseidon for adoption in upcoming post-quantum systems, including leanVM, an advanced virtual machine design intended for efficiently validating extensive blockchain transactions. However, he indicated that recent advancements meant earlier plans involving Poseidon will no longer proceed.
Drake emphasized that improvements in SNARKs—succinct proofs enabling verification of computations without redoing the full process—have made it possible for classic hash functions to perform as efficiently as Poseidon in these future systems.
Poseidon, created to be compatible with zero-knowledge proofs, attracted attention as a potential core for next-generation cryptographic infrastructure. Nonetheless, Ethereum will now pursue architectures based on SHA or BLAKE, which both benefit from extensive academic review and decades of real-world usage.
Mini dictionary: Poseidon hash, a cryptographic function designed for efficiency with zero-knowledge proofs and used in advanced privacy and blockchain security applications, is now being reconsidered due to performance enhancements in mainstream hash algorithms.
Timeline and Technical Collaboration
Drake reported that the foundation aims for a production-ready leanVM in 2027. Wider integration across Ethereum’s consensus, data, and execution layers is tentatively scheduled for 2028. These milestones remain subject to adjustments as development progresses.
The decision to prefer SHA and BLAKE follows collaborative research with academic and industry partners. Sreeram Kannan, founder and CEO of Eigen Labs, noted that hash-based approaches have consistently endured public analysis, reducing the likelihood of undiscovered vulnerabilities that can threaten newer algorithms.
Kannan added that working jointly with the Ethereum Foundation and Succinct, a company specializing in zero-knowledge proof technology, resulted in a 2.5-fold boost in proving speed.
This collaboration illustrates increasing momentum toward post-quantum readiness in major blockchain platforms, focusing on reliable, extensively tested cryptographic tools.
| Hash Function | Main Use | Security Maturity | Performance for SNARKs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poseidon | Zero-knowledge proof efficiency | Moderate | Initially high, now matched by others |
| SHA/BLAKE | General cryptographic security | High | Now suitable for SNARK integration |
Expert Statements on Security and Efficiency
According to Kannan, relying on mature hash algorithms like SHA and BLAKE ensures fewer attack vectors and accelerates deployment for Ethereum’s future cryptographic standards.
Improvements in cryptographic proofs allow established hash functions to provide the efficiency needed for large-scale blockchain validation, removing the need for more experimental options.
Research and development in the Ethereum ecosystem continue to prioritize both quantum resistance and efficient blockchain operation, as teams prepare for emerging security risks posed by advances in quantum computing.
