Starknet launches SN Stack allowing developers to build custom chains
Starknet, a zero-knowledge (ZK) layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, has announced the release of the Starknet stack, which allows developers to create their own custom blockchains using Starknet's zero-knowledge technology.
The software suite is available in three presets, including StarkWare Sequencer – from the public Starknet stack, Madera – a fully customizable, open source configuration, and Dojo – a game-enhanced mode.
Following the announcement, Starkware Business Development Manager Leo Cizaret said:
“We believe that zero-knowledge technologies are the future of blockchain. This provides you with exceptional security and quantum proof while being cost-effective.”
Starknet's release of the SN Stack blockchain suite comes amid concerns that quantum computers could breach modern encryption standards used by blockchain networks and cryptocurrencies.
SN stack configurations. Source: Starknet
Related: Is quantum computing a risk for your crypto portfolio?
Zero knowledge technology as a shield against quantum attacks
Zero-Knowledge technology allows users to verify information such as identity and account ownership without disclosing that specific content. ZK technology exists in various implementations including ZK-stark – the technology that powers Starknet.
In the year In November, Dr. Cincin Fan, head of cryptography at IoTeX, received the best paper award at the 2024 International Conference for Blockchain Collaboration to Enable Smooth Migration to Ethereum Post-Quantum Security.
Fan and his fellow researchers proposed using hash-based zero-knowledge proofs associated with each transaction to quantum-proof the Ethereum network.
The researcher told Cointelegraph that hash functions, one-way calculations that cannot be reversed, are a cost-effective way to protect sensitive economic data from quantum attacks.
After the paper was published, Google unveiled the Willow, a quantum computing processor that can dramatically reduce errors.
Google Willow Quantum Processor Specifications. Source: Google Quantum AI
According to Google, Willow can solve mathematical problems that would take a binary computer 10 septillion years to solve in less than five minutes.
Although there have been significant leaps in processing power and error correction, computer scientists and physicists are concerned that quantum is too much — at least in the near term.
Sensational headlines emerged following a paper published by Shanghai University in May 2024 claiming that researchers working at the university had broken an encryption algorithm using quantum computers.
YouTuber “Out of Mind” refuted the media rumor by saying that the quantum computer used in the Shanghai University experiment was only a 22-bit number.
Encryption key sizes. Source: Out of Mind
However, encryption keys used in modern applications range from 2048 to 4096 bits – meaning that modern encryption standards are less secure than the current round of quantum computers.
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