Are Zcash zk-SNARKs quantum resistant?

No. Zcash Groth16 zk-SNARKs use BLS12-381 elliptic curves, which are completely broken by Shors algorithm on quantum computers.

Will Zcash shielded transactions remain private against quantum?

No. The Jubjub curve used in Sapling and Orchard protocols is vulnerable. Quantum computers can derive viewing keys and spending keys from commitments.

Can quantum computers break zero-knowledge proofs?

Not all ZK proofs, but Zcashs specific implementation using elliptic curve pairings is completely vulnerable to quantum attacks via Shors algorithm.

⚡ Zcash zk-SNARKs vs Quantum Computers

The Zero-Knowledge Breakdown

🔬 The Technical Reality

Zcash Component	Cryptographic Primitive	Quantum Vulnerability
zk-SNARKs (Groth16)	BLS12-381 Pairings	🔴 FULLY BROKEN
Sapling Protocol	Jubjub Curve	🔴 FULLY BROKEN
Orchard Protocol	Pallas/Vesta Curves	🔴 FULLY BROKEN
RedJubjub Signatures	Schnorr on EC	🔴 FULLY BROKEN

🎯 The Attack Scenario

Step 1: Quantum computer runs Shor's algorithm on BLS12-381

Step 2: All elliptic curve discrete logs become trivial

Step 3: Viewing keys and spending keys derived from public commitments

Step 4: Every shielded transaction de-anonymized retroactively

⚠️ Orchard Doesn't Save You

Despite marketing claims, Orchard uses Pallas curves—still elliptic curves, still quantum-vulnerable.

✅ Quantum-Safe Alternative

SynX provides true post-quantum security without vulnerable elliptic curve cryptography:

Kyber-768: Lattice-based key encapsulation (NIST FIPS 203)
SPHINCS+-256: Hash-based signatures (NIST FIPS 205)

Download SynX Wallet