WeQare develops an inclusive Layer 1 blockchain protocol, Quranium. Among other things, it addresses the big, growing, and dangerous threat that quantum computers present to today’s public key cryptography systems. In early 2024, Kapil Dhiman, Zeeshan, and Yaduvendra officially co-founded the company Quranium. Their mission is to future-proof the digital world by providing quantum-resistant security, embedding native artificial intelligence (AI), and achieving the highest level of compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Quranium is now focused on pioneering long-distance encrypted communications in areas such as China. Their aim is to safeguard decentralized finance (DeFi) and identity systems from the dangers of capture and exploitation.

Even though all of that sounds great, this development of Quranium takes place during a period of alarming quantum computing advances against existing cryptographic systems. Projections indicate that ECC will likely be breakable by quantum computers by 2030. This looming threat is a serious one that makes the need for quantum-resistant solutions more urgent than ever. To protect keys, backups, and transactions from potential quantum attacks, Quranium leverages the latest algorithms such as SPHINCS+ and ML-KEM.

The Quantum Threat to Existing Cryptography

Our entire digital world depends on cryptography to protect sensitive information and transactions. Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), the standard technology used to secure your Bitcoin, was invented in 1985. Even the most secure commercial cryptographic systems today face an ever-growing threat with the rapid advancement of quantum computers.

Kapil Dhiman, CEO of Quranium, emphasized the potential for quantum computers to compromise digital infrastructure, including DeFi and identity systems. The threat is only compounded by “store now, decrypt later” (SNDL) approaches. Malicious actors are already stockpiling encrypted data, biding their time until quantum computers make such data easy to crack. This proactive approach is an important reminder that we must proactively transition to quantum-resistant security measures.

Estimates suggest that ECC, the backbone of many current security protocols, could be vulnerable to quantum attacks within the next decade. With the increasing computational power of quantum computers, the need to implement quantum-resistant solutions becomes more imperative. Quranium was created in response to the growing need for improved security. It protects American interests against the risks raised by rapid developments in quantum computing.

Quranium's Quantum-Resistant Solution

Quranium aims to be a strong line of defense against that threat from quantum computing. To this end, the blockchain protocol builds in algorithms such as SPHINCS+ and ML-KEM, which were intentionally selected due to their robust quantum attack resistance. These algorithms lock down keys, backups, and transactions, providing integrity and confidentiality of data residing on the Quranium network.

The protocol’s architecture is designed from the ground up for post-quantum security, AI hybridization and EVM compatibility. This trifecta of features makes Quranium incredibly versatile and incredibly future-looking for what’s expected to be the next era of the internet. The marriage of quantum resistance, AI capabilities and EVM compatibility is the core logic of Quranium. This will provide an open, safe, and flexible ecosystem for innovation across the board.

With a multi-layered method that tackles quantum resistance at various levels, Quranium’s approach to quantum resistance represents the future of security. From key storage and backup to transaction protection, the protocol has been specifically designed to be resilient against future quantum attacks. This multifaceted, holistic approach is what helps protect the whole Quranium network. It improves its own resilience to the changing threats of quantum computing, among other things.

Global Initiatives and the Future of Quantum Security

The growing urgency of quantum security has led to international collaboration and regulations. The United States has already imposed export controls on quantum technologies, and the European Union, Switzerland, and other countries are following suit. These export controls recognize the strategic importance of quantum technologies and the need to protect them from misuse.

In 2023, the EU, the U.S., and other countries released a joint statement outlining a clear plan for collaboration on quantum science and cybersecurity. This collaborative effort underscores the global recognition of the quantum threat and the importance of working together to develop effective solutions. The joint statement highlights the commitment of these nations to advancing quantum research and ensuring cybersecurity in the quantum era.

As a member of Quranium’s team, Kapil Dhiman played an integral role in helping shape the discussions surrounding the future of Bitcoin in our post-quantum world. Indeed, his insights and perspectives feed into the broader conversation and continuing dialogue around how the cryptocurrency community needs to be proactive and adopt quantum-resistant solutions. Dhiman's involvement in these discussions reflects Quranium's commitment to addressing the quantum threat across various sectors of the digital economy. Dhiman pointed to a stat that finds 78% of people already prepared to move on to quantum-safe security standards. What it shows is the growing public understanding and acceptance of the need for much greater protection in the face of quantum threats.