Quantum-Resistant Security Boost for NEAR Ecosystem with Integration of FIPS-Compliant Cryptography

NEAR Protocol is integrating a post-quantum cryptographic signature scheme into its network. The scheme is called ML-DSA, which stands for Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm. It is also identified as FIPS-204, a standard the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) finalised in August 2024. Post-quantum cryptography uses mathematical structures that resist attacks from quantum computers.

"This update will enable anyone on NEAR to simply run a transaction and rotate their keys to become quantum safe. While it's the first of many...", 05 May 2026. — Near One Team, Official Blog, Near One (primary developer, NEAR Protocol)

Users rotate keys with a single on-chain transactionAccount holders on NEAR will secure their accounts through one blockchain transaction. That transaction replaces the existing account key with a new ML-DSA quantum-safe key. NearOne, the primary development organisation behind NEAR Protocol, confirmed this mechanism in an official blog post on 05 May 2026.

"We're proactively releasing the first quantum-safe signing scheme this spring, the first of many. Allowing wallets and partners to add support...", 05 May 2026. — Illia Polosukhin, Co-founder, NEAR Protocol. Source: X/Twitter (@ilblackdragon), verified official account, cross-confirmed against Near.org blog.

Testnet launch targets end of Q2 2026NearOne plans to deploy the post-quantum signing scheme on a testnet by the end of Q2 2026. A testnet is a separate network developers use to test upgrades before activating them on the live network. Mainnet deployment — meaning activation for all users — will follow after security audits and coordination with the NEAR community. Anton Pieyev, Chief Technology Officer at NearOne, confirmed the Q2 2026 testnet timeline in statements reported by CryptoRank and BitcoinWorld on 07 May 2026. No mainnet date has been set. Testnet launch targets end of Q2 2026NearOne plans to deploy the post-quantum signing scheme on a testnet by the end of Q2 2026. A testnet is a separate network developers use to test upgrades before activating them on the live network. Mainnet deployment — meaning activation for all users — will follow after security audits and coordination with the NEAR community. Anton Pieyev, Chief Technology Officer at NearOne, confirmed the Q2 2026 testnet timeline in statements reported by CryptoRank and BitcoinWorld on 07 May 2026. No mainnet date has been set. NearOne plans to deploy the post-quantum signing scheme on a testnet by the end of Q2 2026. A testnet is a separate network developers use to test upgrades before activating them on the live network. Mainnet deployment — meaning activation for all users — will follow after security audits and coordination with the NEAR community. Anton Pieyev, Chief Technology Officer at NearOne, confirmed the Q2 2026 testnet timeline in statements reported by CryptoRank and BitcoinWorld on 07 May 2026. No mainnet date has been set. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and involve significant risk. You may lose part or all of your investment. All information on Coinpaprika is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Coinpaprika is not liable for any losses resulting from the use of this information.