The NEAR Protocol says it is adding support for post-quantum cryptography to the network, with the first signature option being the NIST-approved FIPS-204.
The NEAR One team is integrating this lattice signature-based scheme into NEAR's account model, which separates accounts from cryptographic mechanisms and uses access keys to control access. Once implemented, account holders will be able to transfer keys in a single transaction.
NEAR is also collaborating with software and hardware wallets to expand post-quantum support. Through its chain signature mechanism, the network can provide Threshold signatures for over 35 blockchains .
The NEAR Intents team is developing a cross-chain signature scheme that is secure against quantum risks, providing a layer of protection if other chains haven't yet upgraded. The team states that components such as consensus, validator, Block synchronization, and transaction signing also need to be modified to ensure compatibility in a future transition.
