TRON Network has activated post-quantum cryptographic signatures on its Nile testnet through the release of GreatVoyage-v4.8.2-PQ1-build1, introducing two NIST-standardized signature algorithms designed to strengthen protection against future quantum computing threats.
The update marks one of the earliest blockchain efforts to modernize core cryptographic infrastructure while maintaining the network’s existing governance process before any production deployment.
The new build adds support for Falcon-512 and ML-DSA-44, both selected under cryptographic standards finalized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
According to the network, the upgrade extends across transaction signing, super representative block production signatures, peer-to-peer fast-forward node handshakes, and TRON Virtual Machine contract signature verification.
The release is mandatory for Nile testnet nodes. However, the newly added functionality will remain inactive until it receives approval through TRON’s on-chain committee governance process before any migration to the mainnet.
TRON prepares post-quantum security upgrade
Justin Sun shared TRON DAO’s statement, saying the TRON network will become the first quantum-resistant network. He added that post-quantum security represents the primary demand of the AI era and argued that decryption risks make the transition unavoidable for major blockchain networks.
Most public blockchains, including TRON, currently depend on the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm using the secp256k1 curve, the same cryptographic foundation used by Bitcoin.
Researchers have warned that a sufficiently powerful quantum computer operating with Shor’s algorithm could theoretically derive private keys from public keys, undermining the security model protecting digital asset ownership.
To address that concern, the Nile deployment introduces Falcon-512, which relies on lattice-based mathematics, alongside ML-DSA-44, a version of CRYSTALS-Dilithium that was also selected by NIST for post-quantum cryptography.
Network activity reaches new milestones
The security upgrade follows record network activity during June. TRON processed 385.77 million transactions during the month while recording 26.97 million active addresses, both representing all-time highs. Circulating USDT on the blockchain also exceeded $86 billion, the highest level among blockchain networks.
The planned migration of the quantum-resistant features to the TRON mainnet is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, subject to governance approval.
Blockchain industry advances quantum readiness
Other blockchain organizations are also pursuing post-quantum security initiatives. Ethereum Foundation developers launched the Post-Quantum Ethereum website in March 2026, with Layer 1 protocol upgrades expected to conclude by 2029. The Solana Foundation has already deployed post-quantum digital signatures on its own testnet.
Beyond blockchain protocols, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced an independent advisory board focused on quantum computing and blockchain security in January 2026.
Google has also established 2029 as its target for completing the migration of its infrastructure to post-quantum cryptography.
