Anryton’s Roadmap
Post-Quantum Cryptography
Unlike traditional or classic computers, Quantum computers use qbits, which allows them to possess unimaginable computational power. By directly manipulating the elements, quantum computers and Quantum algorithms have the capability of breaking complex cryptographic algorithms in seconds. Traditional cryptographic methods, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are especially important to note as they are the most commonly used algorithms, and most vulnerable to quantum attacks.
Fortunately, even though Quantum computing is not practically possible at the moment, quantum-based cryptography is available to be implemented.
One of the post-quantum techniques that has been validated as an effective protection against future quantum attacks is lattice-based cryptography, a type of cryptography built on hard mathematical problems related to lattice structures.
Together with Zero Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), lattice-based cryptography offers both security and privacy, making it a powerful tool for ensuring that sensitive data, particularly in sectors like healthcare, remains protected.
Anryton’s Roadmap on Incorporating Lattice-Based Cryptography
In anticipation of the challenges posed by quantum computing threats, Anryton has conceived a lattice-based cryptographic integration strategy into its blockchain protocol and not solely as an add-on. Through a fork, this integration will involve building a quantum secure version of the Anryton blockchain. By adopting lattice encryption and zero knowledge proofs, Anryton will guarantee security, privacy of the platform and its sustainability in the years to come.
The Approach for the Forking of Anryton for Lattice-Based Cryptography
The term forking commonly refers to a feature of adaptation in blockchain where either an upgrade or a modification is introduced to the blockchain protocol giving rise to a new network. This may lead to two distinct chains existing in the same space – one which runs the unchanged protocol while the other runs the modified.
In the case of Anryton, the focus of the fork will be on implementing lattice-based cryptography within the system core for future quantum threats.
The fork will be implemented in the following way:
- Anryton will initiate an open governance proposal, explaining the need for lattice-based cryptography and detailing the benefits it will bring in terms of post-quantum security.
- This will involve discussions with node operators, validators, and other key stakeholders to secure consensus before the fork.
- Once consensus is achieved, the implementation process will begin.
- The Anryton development team will create a branch of the existing Anryton blockchain that incorporates lattice-based cryptographic algorithms.
- This branch will undergo extensive testing to ensure compatibility with the existing ecosystem, dApps, and smart contracts.
- The quantum-resistant version of Anryton will be deployed on a testnet.
- After successful testing, the fork will be implemented on the Anryton mainnet.
- This fork will establish a new chain with quantum-resistant cryptography, while the original chain will continue running in parallel for a transitional period.
- Anryton will offer tools for migrating data and assets securely from the original chain to the forked quantum-resistant chain.
- The governance framework of the blockchain will be adjusted to incorporate any additional needs for quantum cryptography management, including decisions around key management and protocol updates.
Successful Blockchain Forks
As Blockchains are immutable, the only way to improve a Blockchain is to update the protocol rather than changing it from the core. Therefore, Blockchains go through a process of fork where a change is proposed among all validators of the Blockchain network. If the network approves, all new blocks are created using the latest changes. These changes can be anything from block size to consensus protocol.
Over the years, many blockchains have gone through forks, resulting in enhancement of their existing capabilities. Below are some key examples of successful forks and their impacts on the respective protocols’ security.
1. Bitcoin Cash (2017)
Bitcoin’s network was experiencing congestion, leading to slow transaction times and high fees. Some community members proposed increasing the block size to allow more transactions per block, while others opposed this.
The Bitcoin Cash fork resulted in a new blockchain for the community members who wanted better throughput. This fork resulted in an increased block size of 8MB (later 32MB) to improve transaction throughput.
Impact on Security:
- The larger block size allowed for faster transaction processing, reducing the likelihood of transaction delays.
- Bitcoin Cash maintained the core security mechanisms of Bitcoin, including its Proof of Work (PoW) consensus, making it equally secure against 51% attacks and other vulnerabilities that Bitcoin had already addressed.
- However, while Bitcoin Cash improved scalability, it did not introduce significant new cryptographic security features.
2. Ethereum Fork (2016)
One such controversy involved Ethereum and what’s become referred to as the DAO Fork – one of the most important and publicized forks ever in the history of blockchain.
In light of the fact that there was a hack of the DAO funds and approximately 3 million Ethereum (ETH) were “stolen” in the process, the community came together and voted to hard fork the blockchain with the intention of returning the lost funds back to the initial holders.
- The DAO support protocol.
- The Ethereum Classic cryptocurrency.
This decision meant that Ethereum had the ability to correct the flaws which were responsible for the leading loss of funds, and ushered in a new ethos towards the concept of smart contract development focused on security. Enhanced security and security auditing of the Ethereum was borne from this event.
With the network’s ability to reverse the hack of the DAO, trust in the Ethereum network was regained, reinforcing Ethereum’s commitment to security and the community’s strength in maintaining the best interests of the network.
The Shelley fork transformed Cardano into one of the most decentralized blockchains, enhancing both its security and operational integrity.