Ethereum researchers propose key registry for quantum-resistant transition

An Ethereum (ETH) research team, including Thomas Coratger and Justin Drake, has proposed a key registry design as the first step in transitioning the network to be quantum-resistant, The Defiant reported. The proposal addresses the risk that quantum computers could break the encryption of existing BLS-based keys. The team's solution is to introduce a 'PQ key registry,' which would allow validators to register new, quantum-resistant keys while continuing to use their current ones. This approach is conceptually similar to validators being issued a new, more secure form of identification to be held in reserve until needed. The second phase of the transition would occur once a majority of validators have registered their new keys, at which point the network would switch to using them for signature verification.