Cardano named the second most Quantum-Ready Blockchain by Google

Cardano (ADA) ranks second on a list of blockchains that have the potential to resist future quantum computing attacks. In an article by Google Quantum AI shared by Cardano representative Dori, she notes that the rankings were based on how prepared blockchains were to upgrade to “post-quantum cryptography.”

Cardano secures second place while Algorand leads

Notably, the rankings took into account blockchains based on whether public keys are made public and whether the protocol supports key rotation or upgrades. How long transactions remain vulnerable before being confirmed on the blockchain was also taken into account.

According to the rankings, Algorand is the only blockchain ahead of Cardano as it has already tested quantum-resistant transactions in a live environment and supports rotating keys. This means that if quantum threats were to surface now, only Algorand would theoretically have the infrastructure to migrate its users to more secure cryptography.

Cardano, in turn, is considered secure because it hides the public keys longer than other blockchains. Cardano uses the eUTXO model, where spending keys remain hashed until the money is spent. This design provides a level of protection to users in the ecosystem.

The feature prevents potential attackers from seeing the key until the transaction takes place. Other projects at this level with Cardano include Dogecoin, Zcash and Bitcoin Cash. They are all called ‘tier 2’ by the Google Quantum AI paper. This means that they have a structural advantage over other blockchains.

Meanwhile, the paper has two other categories of blockchain, described as “vulnerable but preliminary” and “broadest attack surface.” XRP Ledger, Litecoin and Bitcoin fall into the ‘vulnerable but preparatory’ category.

The networks of these blockchains generally expose public keys more frequently, potentially leaving them open to quantum attackers.

Ethereum and Solana are believed to have the widest attack surface because their public keys are always visible. This flaw offers quantum attackers great opportunities to strike.

Cardano’s preparedness for post-quantum security

It’s worth mentioning that the research paper interprets blockchains based on future projections, much like quantum computers can break the cryptography of networks those don’t exist yet. They remain a future possibility, which some analysts predict will be more than a decade away.

Furthermore, most blockchains are already planning upgrades via forks before the threat occurs. The Ethereum Foundation, for example, says it is actively planning a quantum-safe migration around 2029.

Interestingly, Cardano Midnight Chief Technology Officer Sebastian Guillemot assured users in October 2025 that the platform be safe from quantum computing threats. This indicates that the Cardano blockchain has proactively prepared for future potential threats.