Aztec has set an end-2030 goal for changing the cryptography used across its network, a shift that will depend partly on Ethereum’s separate security upgrades.
In a roadmap published Oct. 15, the project proposes choosing a signature system in March 2027, public-key encryption in July and a proving system in November. Aztec describes these as choices to make before integration, not launch dates. The planned migration covers addresses and keys, authentication for accounts and validators, and the proof process connecting Aztec with Ethereum. The project frames the change as protection for private records that may need to remain confidential for years.
The Ethereum connection gives the plan a second timeline. Aztec says blob commitments and final proof verification rely on Ethereum’s cryptographic infrastructure. The Ethereum Foundation’s post-quantum team says core Layer 1 protocol upgrades may be completed by 2029, while moving the execution layer will take longer and has no set completion date.
Aztec says its encryption choice affects the cost of generating proofs and needs to be coordinated with Ethereum’s upgrades. The project argues for careful review because cryptographic implementations can contain bugs. Its roadmap cites an attack that weakened HAWK, a post-quantum signature candidate, enough to end the scheme’s candidacy for standardization.
Aztec says the timing of a quantum break remains uncertain, while private records intercepted today could become readable if quantum capabilities advance.
The proposed changes also carry operating costs. Aztec says larger proofs would require more bandwidth from network nodes. Ethereum’s team says larger signatures could increase gas costs, while more demanding verification could raise validators’ operating expenses. The first proposed selection is Aztec’s signature system in March 2027, followed by encryption in July and proofs in November.
