Quantum-resistant platform solves scalability and bandwidth bottlenecks present on the blockchain

Quantum computers are a concept believed to quickly take the world by storm, presenting solutions to problems that were once considered unsolvable. While the world is preparing itself for transformation, blockchain developers are readying themselves for protection. Consider that in a standard decentralized data-sharing system, strict security protocols are needed to protect confidential data and verify the identity of the participants. Therefore, in practice, data quickly becomes unreadable for the average hacker, meaning only the recipient of such information is equipped to decode the carefully encrypted data. 

While blockchains have proven their ability to remain secure against classical computers, quantum computers with exponential power may have what it takes to crack these once impenetrable security keys. Today, the United States National Security Agency (the NSA) continues to prepare for the quantum computer, and new standards around managing cryptography continue to be in development, a reality since 2015. Consequently, the question becomes not if, but when quantum computers gain traction and strength to break larger keys. By some estimates, this might be less than five years away.

To ensure that blockchains are protected from this unavoidable reality, quantum-proof cryptographic keys become essential to block the attacks of the most advanced computers on the planet. The result is that platforms like Cellframe have shared their progress towards creating a quantum-resistant solution for third-generation blockchains. 

In alignment with the team’s mission to create a safe and decentralized environment to sustain the freedom of the internet, the Cellframe solution starts with quantum-resistant signatures, which include some of the finalists from the NIST PQC contest that have already been implemented into the Cellframe architecture with many more integrations in the plans for the next year.

Other solutions include introducing a quantum key exchange in Q3 2022. As a result, Cellframe continues to develop quantum-safe blockchain solutions that simultaneously solve concerns around scalability with sharding and eliminate the bandwidth bottleneck known across the industry.

Addressing framework challenges

Achieving the platform’s goals are said to be possible through the use of post-quantum encryption and architecture built with plain C, which ensures the most efficient utilization of CPU and memory. The team believes that with this combination of features, the CELL tokens may have the foundations to become the most secure and scalable blockchain available. 

In addition, to address concerns around quantum resistance, the framework offers solutions around the eco-friendliness of mining, or lack thereof.

Another reason why C is the basis for this technology is that it is green and ensures that high-load services are managed as efficiently as possible. This added benefit becomes of increasing importance, as alongside concerns around quantum threats exist countries banning the mining practice for the harm caused to the environment, Sweden being the most notable among them. The result is that by addressing both scalability and performance, Cellframe can meet the demands of public blockchain usage and that of the enterprise as well.

To further illustrate the team’s progress against their goals, it is important to note the first Cellchain, the KelVPN (KEL), is currently in operation as the first quantum-safe and deanon-proof VPN being produced. KELVNPN, powered by CELL, can safeguard information by tunneling it to and from blockchain nodes and encrypting it with quantum-safe protocols.

Seeking out new partners

As Cellframe works towards making people more confident in their everyday internet usage, a necessary step in the roadmap includes searching out new partners. To qualify, partners must participate in CellfSlot auctions, be able to use the Cellframe SDK and layer-two blockchain, run private or enterprise CellChains, or use as a basement for their own independent platforms and participate in a general interconnected agreement, amongst other guidelines. With the right partners, Cellframe may be positioned advantageously to combat the upcoming quantum war.