A recent audit of the XRP Ledger has drawn attention to the issue of quantum security across major blockchain networks. The study, conducted by Vet, an independent validator on XRPL, examined the extent to which XRP accounts and holdings might be exposed if quantum computers become capable of breaking existing cryptographic protections.
XRP Ledger reveals minimal exposure to future quantum threats
The review found that about 2.4 billion XRP are held in roughly 300,000 accounts that have never initiated a transaction. Because these accounts have not revealed their public keys, their funds remain shielded from potential quantum exploits.
According to Vet’s findings, only two dormant whale accounts, each inactive for over five years and together holding 21 million XRP, have exposed public keys. This represents just 0.03% of the entire XRP supply.
Vet attributes this relatively strong protection to the XRPL account model, which makes it possible for users to rotate their account keys without having to transfer their assets. This built-in flexibility enhances security even for those who may not be actively managing their wallets.
XRPL, launched in 2012 by Ripple Labs, is a decentralized public blockchain focused on fast and inexpensive cross-border payments. Ripple Labs continues to play a major role in its ongoing development and adoption within the financial sector.
Vet also noted that dormant, large-balance accounts with exposed keys are almost nonexistent on XRPL, significantly limiting potential quantum vulnerabilities compared to other major chains.
The situation with Bitcoin, on the other hand, is noticeably different. Its UTXO model and early design choices have resulted in a greater quantity of funds where public keys have already been disclosed, leaving them potentially open to quantum attacks.
Bitcoin community faces quantum risks and seeks interim solutions
Current estimates show that around 6.9 million BTC may be at risk if practical quantum computing attacks become possible. Much of this Bitcoin has remained unmoved for years, making the funds especially vulnerable due to exposed public keys.
Upgrading Bitcoin for quantum resistance has proven complex, with community debates centering not only on technical fixes but also on ethical questions regarding dormant coins — particularly those tied to early participants.
The main comprehensive solution, BIP-360, remains under development and is not expected to be implemented soon. Nevertheless, developers have been creating emergency tools to address vulnerabilities in the interim.
Two new emergency quantum defenses rolled out for Bitcoin
On April 8, Lightning Labs CTO Olaoluwa Osuntokun released a prototype tool to help users prove ownership of their wallets in case the standard Bitcoin security model is disrupted due to a quantum threat. This approach aims to reduce risks for holders whose keys have already been exposed.
A separate method introduced by Avihu Levy, Chief Product Officer at StarkWare, allows for quantum-safe Bitcoin transactions while leaving the protocol unchanged. This system replaces vulnerable cryptographic components with alternatives beyond the reach of known quantum techniques.
Levy’s approach, however, comes with high computational costs and restricts transactions to direct communication with miners rather than standard network broadcast. Developers see these tools primarily as last-resort options for high-value wallets while longer-term upgrades are still underway.
