Circle Unveils Post-Quantum Roadmap for Arc, Warns Cryptography May Be Threatened Before 2030

Circle has unveiled a post-quantum, or quantum-resistant, roadmap for its Layer 1 blockchain Arc.

WuBlockchain reported on June 6 that Circle plans to phase in quantum-resistant protections across wallets, private state, validators and broader infrastructure.

The mainnet will adopt an opt-in model for post-quantum signatures.

Circle warned that if quantum-computing technology advances rapidly, it could threaten existing public-key cryptography before 2030. The company identified so-called "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, in which data is collected now and decrypted later, as a key risk.

The market views the roadmap as a preemptive step to prepare for long-term changes in blockchain security.