Study Evaluates Quantum-Secure Signature Algorithms for Blockchain Use

Global: Performance Analysis of Quantum-Secure Digital Signature Algorithms in Blockchain

A new study released on January 25, 2026 by researcher Tushar Jain evaluates the performance of quantum‑secure digital signature algorithms when integrated into blockchain systems. The paper addresses long‑term security concerns for public blockchains that rely on cryptographic primitives vulnerable to future quantum attacks.

Background and Motivation

Public blockchains depend on digital signatures to authenticate transactions and maintain ledger integrity. Most existing platforms employ elliptic‑curve cryptography, which Shor’s algorithm can break once sufficiently powerful quantum computers become operational. Consequently, understanding how post‑quantum (PQ) signatures behave in realistic blockchain environments is essential for safeguarding decentralized finance and other applications.

Prototype Design and Methodology

The author built a blockchain prototype supporting several lattice‑based PQ schemes, including CRYSTALS‑Dilithium, Falcon, and Hawk. The implementation measures key generation time, signing latency, verification speed, as well as key and signature sizes. An additional scheme, HAETAE, is examined to broaden the comparative scope.

Performance Comparison

The analysis presents a detailed side‑by‑side comparison of the selected algorithms across the defined metrics. Findings highlight trade‑offs among the schemes, such as variations in key size versus verification efficiency, providing developers with data‑driven guidance for selecting appropriate PQ signatures for blockchain deployment.

Implications for Blockchain Security

By quantifying the operational overhead of quantum‑secure signatures, the study informs the migration strategies that blockchain projects may need to adopt before quantum‑capable adversaries emerge. The results suggest that integrating PQ signatures is feasible, though performance impacts must be weighed against security benefits.

Future Directions

The paper recommends extending the prototype to additional PQ constructions and exploring hybrid models that combine classical and quantum‑resistant signatures. Further research could also assess network‑level effects, such as block propagation delays, when larger signatures are transmitted.

This report is based on information from arXiv, licensed under Academic Preprint / Open Access. Based on the abstract of the research paper. Full text available via ArXiv.