The Next Generation of Digital Trust: Quantum-Safe Verification

Abstract

Exponential progress in quantum computing jeopardizes current cryptographic frameworks, including Merkle Trees, owing to their reliance on conventional hash functions and public-key encryption methods. The research introduces QRMT as an innovative cryptographic framework that integrates zk-STARKs, lattice-based cryptography, and hash function randomization to enhance security and optimize performance. Benchmarks indicate that QRMT decreases proof generation time by 28–32% relative to classical Merkle Trees when subjected to Grover’s method attacks, while preserving logarithmic-scale verification efficiency. The QRMT employs a hash selection approach incorporating SHAKE-256, Blake3, and Poseidon hash functions, safeguarding against Grover’s algorithmattacks. The metadata encryption employs Kyber1024, utilizinglattice-based public-key encryption to supplant RSA and mitigate vulnerabilities to Shor’s algorithm assaults. Kyber1024 produces keys in around 0.005 milliseconds, which is 75 milliseconds more rapid than RSA-4096. The zk-STARK-verified procedure facilitates trustless and comprehensive evidence validation while safeguarding sensitive information. Our proof-of-concept instance exhibits efficient performance as the times for proof construction and verification increase at a rate slower than logarithmic in relation to data collecting growth. This approach provides quantum resistance for blockchain security, facilitating distributed safe systems and introducing new cryptographic technology alternatives.