Is Zcash Quantum Safe in 2026?
ZEC's Zero-Knowledge Proofs vs Quantum Computing
⚠️ Quick Verdict: NOT Quantum Safe
- ❌ Transparent addresses: secp256k1 ECDSA (Shor-vulnerable)
- ❌ zk-SNARKs: Rely on elliptic curve pairings (Shor-vulnerable)
- ❌ Jubjub curve: Not quantum-resistant
- ⚠️ Privacy guarantees fail if cryptography breaks
The zk-SNARK Quantum Problem
Zcash pioneered zk-SNARKs for private transactions. However, their implementation uses:
- BLS12-381 pairings: Quantum-vulnerable
- Jubjub curve: Based on elliptic curves
- Groth16 proofs: Secure classically, not quantum-safe
If these are broken, an attacker could forge proofs, create counterfeit ZEC, and deanonymize historical shielded transactions.
✅ SynX: Quantum-Safe Privacy
| Feature | Zcash | SynX |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy System | zk-SNARKs | Native privacy |
| Signatures | ECDSA/Jubjub ❌ | SPHINCS+-256 ✅ |
| Quantum Safe | NO ❌ | YES ✅ |
| Optional Transparency | Yes (t-addresses) | Yes (view keys) |