- The board unites quantum and blockchain experts to evaluate post-quantum threats and issue public guidance for crypto security.
- Focus areas include elliptic-curve cryptography, post-quantum signature schemes, and secure multiparty computation strategies.
- Coinbase’s proactive approach aims to prepare blockchains for quantum risks years ahead, with first position paper in 2027.
Coinbase announced the formation of an Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain, aiming to evaluate potential future risks. The board brings together experts from Stanford, Harvard, the University of California, Ethereum Foundation, DeFi protocol EigenLayer, and Coinbase itself. The move addresses concerns that large-scale quantum computers could eventually compromise blockchain cryptography.
World-Class Experts Lead Assessment
The advisory board will operate independently, publishing public analyses and guidance for developers, organizations, and users. Members include Professor Scott Aaronson, a quantum computing pioneer at the University of Texas at Austin, and Professor Dan Boneh, co-director of Stanford’s Center for Blockchain Research.
Justin Drake from the Ethereum Foundation focuses on Ethereum’s long-term security. Sreeram Kannan, founder of EigenLayer, and Coinbase’s head of cryptography, Yehuda Lindell, also join the board. Professor Dahlia Malkhi, an expert in resilient distributed systems, completes the team.
The board’s responsibilities include issuing position papers assessing quantum computing advancements, providing practical recommendations for safeguarding blockchain systems, and responding quickly to major breakthroughs. According to Coinbase, this structure ensures guidance reaches the broader crypto community, rather than serving internal purposes alone.
Post-Quantum Roadmap and Blockchain Security
Coinbase emphasized that most blockchains, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, rely on elliptic-curve cryptography, which remains secure today. However, large-scale quantum computers could eventually weaken these systems.
The advisory board forms a key component of Coinbase’s post-quantum security strategy. Current measures include updating Bitcoin address handling and internal key management, while long-term research targets post-quantum signature schemes like ML-DSA within secure multiparty computation systems.
The company noted that proactive planning is critical to prepare for quantum threats years in advance. Experts like Adam Back and Mark Thompson note that quantum risks remain distant, but preparing early allows gradual adaptation to post-quantum standards.
Coinbase expects the board to release its first position paper in early 2027, providing a baseline risk assessment and recommendations for developers and institutions across the blockchain ecosystem.
