Quantum-resistant modifications to ECDSA for blockchain security
Mohammed El Baraka, Siham Ezzouak · Journal of Cyber Security Technology · 2025
Quantum computing advances, exemplified by Shor’s algorithm, pose a serious threat to classical Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) security. This paper proposes and analyzes three strategies for enhancing ECDSA’s resistance to quantum attacks: (1) Hybrid ECDSA, which pairs ECDSA with a post-quantum signature scheme; (2) a Layered Security model that sequentially verifies classical and post-quantum signatures; and (3) Modified ECDSA, focused on tuning parameters like field size and nonce generation. We provide a unified mathematical foundation, present security arguments (including formal verification), and offer a comparative performance matrix that covers key generation, signing, and verification times. Our study underscores that each solution entails a distinct balance of performance overhead and future-proof security, thus enabling blockchain and IoT stakeholders to make informed, context-specific decisions.