Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Launches Lean Protocol Overhaul to Tackle Quantum Threats and Scale to 1 Million TPS

Ethereum is advancing a strategic overhaul of its protocol to prepare for the future, particularly in the face of emerging quantum computing threats that could compromise its cryptographic foundations. Justin Drake, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, has introduced a vision dubbed Lean Ethereum, a framework aimed at making the network more scalable, secure, and sustainable for the coming decade. The initiative, outlined as part of Ethereum’s 10-year roadmap, seeks to achieve 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) on the base layer and up to 1 million TPS on Layer 2, positioning Ethereum to handle large-scale adoption without congestion [1].

The Lean Ethereum strategy is divided into two modes: Fort mode, which prioritizes the network’s survival under extreme conditions, and Beast mode, which emphasizes performance while maintaining decentralization [1]. The plan centers on three technical pillars: Lean Consensus (an optimized Beacon Chain), Lean Data (improved data availability through Blobs 2.0), and Lean Execution (a minimalist EVM 2.0 compatible with zero-knowledge proofs). These innovations are designed to streamline Ethereum’s architecture, enhance verification efficiency, and enable broader accessibility across standard devices [1].

A key element of the transformation is Ethereum’s shift toward post-quantum cryptography. The network currently relies on cryptographic mechanisms like BLS signatures and KZG commitments, which are vulnerable to quantum computing attacks. To counter this, Ethereum is transitioning to hash-based primitives, a more robust alternative that is resistant to quantum decryption. This includes the adoption of hash-based aggregate signatures, availability commitments, and zkVM execution. The move not only future-proofs the network but also simplifies verification processes, enabling users to validate transactions on devices like smartphones [1].

The implications of this shift are far-reaching. For validators, the new architecture removes dependency on centralized computing power, enhancing the network’s resilience during global crises. Developers benefit from modularized standards, including formally verifiable code and better integration with zero-knowledge technologies. End users can expect a faster, more scalable Ethereum experience, with the potential for 1 million TPS on Layer 2, facilitating real-world adoption without performance bottlenecks [1].

Ethereum’s proactive stance aligns with the broader trend in the blockchain industry to address long-term risks. Quantum computing is still in its early stages, but the field is advancing rapidly, as evidenced by recent breakthroughs in quantum entanglement and communication, notably in Canada [1]. While physicists remain divided on the interpretation of quantum mechanics, the urgency of securing blockchain infrastructure against future threats is gaining recognition [2].

Investor interest in Ethereum’s long-term viability has also been reinforced by the network’s 10-year gameplan, which includes quantum-safe security measures and performance optimization [3]. These efforts are not just technical but strategic, aiming to position Ethereum as the foundational infrastructure for the next generation of decentralized applications and digital economies.

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Source:

[1] Ethereum (ETH) Price Forecasts, Predictions & News - FXEmpire (https://www.fxempire.com/crypto/ethereum/news)

[2] A Century Into Quantum Mechanics, Physicists Still Can't Agree What It Means - The Quantum Insider (https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/08/02/a-century-into-quantum-mechanics-physicists-still-cant-agree-what-it-means-nature-survey-shows/)

[3] 10-Year Gameplan: Ethereum Targets Quantum-Safe Security, Fast Transactions - Mitrade (https://www.mitrade.com/au/insights/news/live-news/article-8-1006755-20250802)