InterLink is testing a NIST post-quantum signature standard across validator and account keys

Blockchain project InterLink (@inter_link) is testing ML-DSA-65, a post-quantum digital signature algorithm published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), across both its validator and account keys. The work is described as ongoing research, with no deployment timeline announced.

What Is ML-DSA-65?

ML-DSA is a quantum-resistant digital signature algorithm standardized by NIST as FIPS 204 in August 2024, based on CRYSTALS-Dilithium, with three parameter sets: ML-DSA-44, ML-DSA-65, and ML-DSA-87. ML-DSA-65 is the recommended default for most applications. The algorithm is built upon hardness assumptions believed to be resistant to attacks even by quantum computers.

The relevance for blockchains is direct. Quantum computers running Shor's algorithm can solve the mathematical problems underlying RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography, which touches validator and consensus signatures in proof-of-stake networks, wallet signatures, bridge infrastructure, and custody systems.

What InterLink Is Testing

According to @inter_link, the project is applying ML-DSA-65 to both validator keys and account keys as part of its research phase. The team is also exploring key rotation for validators, a mechanism that would allow signing keys to change over time rather than remain static, which could reduce long-term exposure if a key is later compromised by a quantum-capable adversary.

Separately, InterLink is running experiments with parallel transaction execution, though the two workstreams appear to be independent.

None of the work is live. InterLink has given no deployment date and has not detailed how post-quantum signatures would interact with its existing network infrastructure. Integrating post-quantum cryptography into a blockchain entails significant trade-offs, including larger key and signature sizes and altered throughput, which can necessitate protocol redesign. Post-quantum cryptography often requires larger keys, higher computational costs, and more complex wallet management, factors that can reduce usability, especially on mobile devices.

InterLink says it is embedding quantum-resistant mechanisms during mainnet development rather than retrofitting them later. That approach has a logic to it, but the project has yet to publish technical audits or a concrete migration plan.

Sources:
NIST: First 3 Finalized Post-Quantum Encryption Standards
Encryption Consulting: ML-DSA (FIPS 204) Explained
BSC News: InterLink to Develop Quantum-Resistant Blockchain Technology