Post-quantum from block zero
Polaris Chain signs every transaction and every ledger entry with quantum-resistant cryptography from genesis, not as an afterthought. This closes the harvest-now, decrypt-later gap, where an attacker copies today's signed data and waits for quantum computers strong enough to forge it. Because a public ledger is permanent, every signature on it is already a copy an attacker could be holding.
What a post-quantum blockchain is
A post-quantum blockchain uses cryptography that a large quantum computer is not expected to break. Most chains in use today sign transactions with schemes designed for classical computers. A large enough quantum computer could forge those signatures.
Polaris signs with quantum-resistant cryptography instead. Post-quantum signatures are built in from genesis, so the permanent record never holds a signature that a quantum computer could forge.
Harvest now, decrypt later
An attacker can copy data today and wait. When quantum machines become strong enough, the attacker goes after the copies. Security researchers call this harvest now, decrypt later.
A public ledger is permanent, so every signature on it is already a copy. Tokenized property or debt may be held for decades. The assets can outlive the cryptography that protects them.
A chain that starts with classical signatures has to migrate later, and its old history stays signed with the old scheme. Polaris avoids that gap by starting post-quantum.
Quantum-resistant signatures on Polaris
Polaris signs every transaction and every entry in the ledger with a quantum-resistant signature scheme, chosen from an internationally standardized family of post-quantum algorithms, with the same guarantees across the whole network.
Accounts can move to newer signature schemes in a single operation, without changing their address, so the cryptography can evolve without breaking the ledger.
Standards-based post-quantum cryptography
Polaris follows established international standards for post-quantum cryptography where they exist, for both signing and hashing.
Hashing on Polaris also keeps a wide security margin against quantum attacks, so the hash layer needs no change.
The cost of post-quantum signatures
Post-quantum signatures are larger than classical ones. A Polaris transaction carries more signature and key material than a legacy chain's transaction, which adds bandwidth and storage load for validators. The design accepts this cost in exchange for long-term security.
See the milestones page for the work that reduces this overhead.
Frequently asked questions
What does post-quantum mean for a blockchain?
It means the chain signs with algorithms that a large quantum computer is not expected to break. Polaris uses quantum-resistant signatures instead of classical ones.
What is harvest now, decrypt later?
It is an attack where someone copies data and breaks it once quantum computers are strong enough. A permanent public ledger is an easy target, so Polaris uses post-quantum signatures from genesis.
What standard does Polaris follow for its signatures?
Polaris uses a quantum-resistant signature scheme from an internationally standardized post-quantum family, with consistent guarantees across the network.
Is Polaris post-quantum?
Yes. Every transaction and every ledger entry is signed and hashed with quantum-resistant cryptography. See the milestones page for the independent security review.
Are Polaris transactions bigger than on other chains?
Yes. Post-quantum signatures and public keys are larger than classical ones, so a Polaris transaction carries more bytes. The design accepts this cost in exchange for long-term security.
Related pages
Polaris Trust Registry
How quantum-resistant signatures protect credentials and records.
Polaris milestones
What each milestone on the way to mainnet delivers.
Polaris testnet explorer
Browse live blocks, transactions and accounts on the public testnet.
Polaris testnet faucet
Claim 10 free test POLA and try a transfer yourself.
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