Optimism recently announced a roadmap for transitioning to quantum-resistant technology for Superchain – the core ecosystem connecting Layer 2 networks based on the OP Stack. The most notable point in this roadmap is the plan to gradually phase out Externally Owned Accounts (EOA) using ECDSA signatures over the next 10 years, marking a long-term but decisive step in preparing for the era of quantum computing, which researchers believe has the potential to disrupt traditional cryptographic algorithms in the future.
According to the plan, by January 2036, all transactions on the Optimism Mainnet, as well as the entire Superchain, that still use ECDSA signatures from EOA will officially cease to be supported. Instead, all users and entities in the ecosystem will have to switch to a key management model through smart contracts, designed to support post-quantum signature algorithms. This is not just a technical change, but also a major shift in how users interact with the blockchain, from the traditional wallet model to a more flexible and secure Account Abstraction architecture.
At the user level, Optimism states that it will leverage new Account Abstraction standards, including EIP-7702, to enable EOAs to gradually delegate transaction signing authority to smart accounts. These smart accounts are capable of post-quantum signature verification, while also unlocking advanced features such as wallet recovery, Multisignature management, authority limits, and transaction automation. This not only enhances security against quantum computing risks but also improves the user experience – a long-term goal Optimism pursues as it builds Superchain as a “common infrastructure” for a range of L2 networks.
At the consensus level, Optimism 's quantum-resistant roadmap is even more ambitious. Critical components such as L2 orderers and bulk committers will be migrated to using post-quantum signatures, minimizing the risk of attacks at the infrastructure level. Simultaneously, Optimism is urging Ethereum – the underlying platform from which Superchain inherits security – to develop a clear roadmap for migrating validators away from current BLS signatures and KZG commitments to quantum-resistant algorithms. This is a strategic issue for the entire Ethereum ecosystem, because if the base layer is not secure against quantum computers, all Layer 2 components above will also be at risk.
The entire upgrade process will be implemented through closely coordinated Hard Fork , giving the community approximately 10 years to adapt. This long buffer shows that Optimism does not want to cause sudden disruption, but rather chooses a cautious, step-by-step approach to ensure that both developers and users have sufficient time to prepare technically, with the product, and to adjust their usage habits.
