The Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) project is a public blockchain ledger designed to be specifically secure against quantum computing (QC) advances. Unlike existing ledgers, such as bitcoin or ethereum, the QRL is specially designed to use a form of post-quantum secure signature for transactions called XMSS. The QRL also uses a low power proof-of-stake (POS) algorithm which again utilises iterative hash-chains and provably secure hash-based pseudo random number functions. The POS algorithm is designed to have zero reliance upon conventional signatures which are vulnerable to a sufficiently powerful QC and allows nodes to run on low power devices such as raspberry PI’s or laptops and passively earn income by staking.
Founder noticed investment in QC development, ECDSA being deprecated by the NSA and given the vulnerability in all existing blockchain ledgers conceived the idea of a post-quantum ledger. Creation of post-quantum secure hash-based digital signature library.
SEPTEMBER 2016 Proof of work
Creation of a POW ledger utilising Merkle signature scheme addresses with Winternitz and Lamport one-time signatures.
NOVEMBER 2016 Whitepaper Release
After discussion with developers, post-quantum cryptographers and research into existing roadmap of blockchain technology, the whitepaper was written to provide an overview of quantum resistant methodologies.<br />
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DECEMBER 2016 POS
Design of a proof-of-stake algorithm (POS)
JANUARY 2017 Node
Prototype node development with basic POS algorithm and integration of XMSS signatures
FEBRUARY 2017 Node
Design and launch of the first iteration of the block explorer
MARCH 2017 Private testnet
Iterative testing of POS algorithmic updates
APRIL 2017 Alpha testnet
Launch of the Alpha testnet with nodes running on MacOS, Linux, Windows on hardware including Raspberry Pi. Private seed presale round opens.<br />
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MAY 2017 Early access token presale
If hard cap not met then public ICO May 24th. Start of integration of Ephemeral messaging layer to enable end-end secure data channels.<br />
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MAY 2017 PQ secure digital identification
Blockchain based ultra secure digital ID. Leveraging Ephemeral messaging layer with off chain services: PQ secure data channels, PQ secure comms, PQ secure messenger services, PQ secure VOIP, PQ secure VPN. PQ secure provenance and proof-of-existence services.
JUNE 2017 Public testnet
Node optimisation with C++. Golang node creation. Internode encrypted communication (‘new hope’ lattice-based cryptography)
AUGUST 2017 Genesis block
OCTOBER 2018 Ephemeral
Continued active node development. Completion of Ephemeral to be signature scheme agnostic. Light client development. Light client API to enable apps and web enabled devices to access the QRL. Internode messaging compression. Research and development - post-quantum multi-signature transactions.
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