Cross-Chain Vulnerabilities in the Quantum Era: A Threat Analysis to Blockchain Interoperability: IEEE paper by Dr Anupam Tiwari

1.    Blockchain technology has rapidly evolved, enabling the development of decentralized applications, smart contracts, and cross-chain interactions. These innovations have significantly expanded the capabilities of decentralized finance (DeFi) and beyond. However, as blockchain interoperability between networks becomes more critical, it faces a looming challenge: the rise of quantum computing.

2.    In my recently published paper titled "Cross-Chain Vulnerabilities in the Quantum Era: A Threat Analysis to Blockchain Interoperability," I delve into the risks quantum computing poses to the security of blockchain interoperability protocols. As blockchain networks continue to integrate and interact, cryptographic mechanisms like elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) and hash functions are at the core of securing cross-chain transactions. Unfortunately, quantum algorithms, notably Shor's and Grover's, threaten to break these cryptographic foundations, jeopardizing decentralized exchanges, atomic swaps, and even smart contracts.

3.    The paper offers a detailed exploration of these quantum threats, illustrating how quantum attacks can compromise the integrity of blockchain ecosystems. I also review the state-of-the-art research in post-quantum cryptography and suggest strategies to fortify blockchain interoperability in a quantum-enabled future.

Why is this important?

4.    With the advent of quantum computing, the blockchain community must act proactively to secure decentralized systems. The risks posed to cross-chain communications could disrupt not only financial systems but also a wide array of decentralized applications, making it critical to explore and implement quantum-resistant solutions.

5.    I urge everyone involved in blockchain development, research, and governance to read the full paper and explore how we can safeguard the future of decentralized systems against quantum threats. For the full paper, you can access it here on IEEE Xplore link https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11102585