Quantum-Resilient Consensus Mechanisms for Scalable Blockchain Networks using Lattice-based Cryptography

However, with the rapid development of quantum computing cracking the basic security algorithms of the current blockchain system, such as RSA and ECC, is a big threat. To tackle this critical issue, this work is aimed to develop a quantum resilient consensus scheme that combines in general purpose blockchain architectures with lattice based cryptographic primitives. This model is based on the hardness of lattice problems, which are believed to be resistant to even the attack of quantum; securing blockchain data long and immutably. Our contribution is a novel Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) hybrid, combined with three primitives for secure identity management, digital signature and transaction validation, provided by Learning with Errors (LWE) and Ring-LWE. Quantum Resistance, Computational Complexity, Latency and Network Scalability of the proposed system is evaluated with respect to the classical methods and it is demonstrated that the proposed system is superior in all of these aspects. This marks a critical and one important step toward future proofing blockchain ecosystems as they will be forced into the quantum paradigm that will be inevitable.