Ethereum replaces Poseidon with SHA and BLAKE for future Layer 1 upgrades. Binary-field SNARK advances make traditional hash functions practical again. The roadmap targets leanVM in 2027 with wider deployments planned for 2028. The Ethereum Foundation is changing its long-term cryptography strategy by replacing Poseidon with SHA and BLAKE for Layer 1 development. The shift […]
- Ethereum replaces Poseidon with SHA and BLAKE for future Layer 1 upgrades.
- Binary-field SNARK advances make traditional hash functions practical again.
- The roadmap targets leanVM in 2027 with wider deployments planned for 2028.
The Ethereum Foundation is changing its long-term cryptography strategy by replacing Poseidon with SHA and BLAKE for Layer 1 development. The shift follows major advances in zero-knowledge proof technology, which now make traditional hashing methods more practical for future network upgrades.
Ethereum Shifts Toward Established Hash Functions
Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake, in an August 13 post on X, announced that the network would move away from Poseidon after years of research investment. The decision marks a significant shift in Ethereum’s post-quantum security roadmap and future cryptographic architecture.
Poseidon emerged in 2019 as a specialized hash function designed for zero-knowledge proof systems. It quickly became a popular choice across zk-rollups and zkVMs that secure billions in digital assets.
However, recent breakthroughs have reduced the need for specialized cryptographic tools within proof systems. Researchers have demonstrated that standard hash functions can now achieve similar efficiency under newer proving frameworks.
Drake stated that the key breakthrough came from improving proof systems instead of designing custom hashes. As a result, SHA and BLAKE can now compete with Poseidon while benefiting from broader security analysis.
The move affects Ethereum’s future Layer 1 roadmap rather than existing applications already using Poseidon. Current zk-based projects can continue operating without making immediate protocol changes.
Goodbye, Poseidon!
An epic 8-year, 8-figure rabbit hole in post-quantum cryptography reaches its dream conclusion. The Ethereum Foundation is abandoning Poseidon for L1, pivoting to SHA or BLAKE. This milestone unlocks ultimate security for lean Ethereum and foreshadows a golden…
— Justin Drake (@drakefjustin) August 13, 2026
Binary Field Research Changes the Equation
Ethereum’s decision follows progress in binary-field SNARKs, which handle bit-based computations more efficiently than earlier approaches. These systems align naturally with traditional hash functions used across computing environments.
According to Drake, modern designs can prove roughly one million traditional hash operations per second on consumer hardware. This performance level was previously considered unrealistic within zero-knowledge proof environments.
Research efforts such as Binius and Flock contributed to these improvements through optimized binary-field architectures. Their work significantly reduced proving costs for established cryptographic functions like SHA and BLAKE.
The development may simplify Ethereum’s security assumptions while reducing reliance on less-tested cryptographic constructions. Traditional hashes have undergone extensive scrutiny for decades across academic and commercial environments.
Consequently, Ethereum can focus on proven cryptographic standards while maintaining performance goals for future network upgrades.
Post-Quantum Roadmap Gains Momentum
The strategy also supports Ethereum’s broader preparation for quantum-resistant infrastructure across the network. Developers continue exploring methods that protect blockchain systems against future advances in quantum computing.
Hash-based cryptography remains a central component of Ethereum’s long-term security plans. Furthermore, proof aggregation could compress large numbers of signatures into compact proofs for efficient verification.
Drake said Ethereum’s leanVM initiative remains on track for a production-ready release during 2027. Deployments across consensus, execution, and data layers are currently targeted for 2028.
The latest roadmap reflects Ethereum’s preference for simpler and extensively tested cryptographic foundations. If current research progress continues, the network could strengthen security while improving scalability and future-proofing critical infrastructure.
