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Work item:
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X.1421 (ex X.qsdlt-ca)
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Subject/title:
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Guidelines for building crypto-agility and migration for quantum-safe DLT systems
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Status:
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Determined on 2026-06-10 [Issued from previous study period]
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Approval process:
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TAP
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Type of work item:
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Recommendation
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Version:
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New
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Equivalent number:
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-
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Timing:
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2026-06 (No priority specified)
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Liaison:
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-
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Supporting members:
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China Mobile, China Information Communication Technologies Group, Soonchunhyang University
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Summary:
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The rapid development of quantum computing technology poses a significant potential threat to current cryptographic algorithms, thereby affecting the security of distributed ledger technology (DLT) systems. DLT and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms are closely related in the context of future-proofing trust infrastructures. DLT systems currently rely on classical cryptographic primitives (e.g., elliptic curve signatures) for transaction integrity and consensus security, which are vulnerable to quantum attacks. PQC algorithms are therefore being explored and integrated into DLT systems to replace or complement existing cryptographic mechanisms, ensuring quantum-resistant transaction validation, identity management, and secure key exchange. In this sense, PQC serves as a critical enabler for enhancing the long-term security and resilience of DLT-based systems.
The application of quantum-safe cryptographic algorithms is an effective way to resist quantum computing attacks. Crypto-agility refers to the ability of a system to migrate easily from one cryptographic algorithm to another in a flexible, scalable, and dynamic manner. It is therefore imperative to construct quantum-safe DLT systems with crypto-agility so that appropriate quantum-safe cryptographic algorithms can be adopted according to security requirements and usage demands. Considering the need for interoperability among quantum-safe DLT systems, standardization of these systems is necessary, at least at the architectural level. Furthermore, to prevent attackers from altering existing transactions and to maintain normal system operation during the transition, it is necessary to provide guidance on the migration from existing DLT systems to quantum-safe DLT systems.
This Recommendation provides guidelines for building quantum-safe DLT systems with crypto-agility to meet security requirements and support diverse usage scenarios. It also provides methodologies for the smooth migration from current DLT systems to quantum-safe DLT systems.
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Comment:
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-
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Reference(s):
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Historic references:
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Contact(s):
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First registration in the WP:
2024-03-12 14:52:10
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Last update:
2026-06-26 15:17:30
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