Zcash Expected to Introduce Quantum-Resistant Signature Opcode in January; Vizor Wallet Launches Private Query Feature

Odaily reports: Zcash full-node development team Zakura has stated that the network is expected to introduce a quantum-resistant signature opcode in January, enabling hash-based signatures for transparent payments. Zcash's transparent payments publicly display transaction information, while shielded payments hide the sender, receiver, and amount.

The proposal combines address rotation with private information retrieval, allowing wallets to switch to a new address after each transaction and reduce public key exposure risk through WOTS hash-based fallback signatures. The Vizor wallet launched its private query feature this week, allowing users to enable it for testing in the settings.

Zakura's proposal currently only covers Zcash transparent payments, and the network has not yet confirmed the activation time for the opcode. Ethereum researcher Justin Drake has warned that AI-driven mathematical breakthroughs could crack the relevant signatures in months rather than years; Vitalik Buterin believes it is possible that cryptographic technology could be broken within the next two years. (Decrypt)