The Aptos ecosystem has recently been pondering an interesting issue—how to proactively address the potential threats posed by quantum computing. They proposed the AIP-137 proposal, aiming to support quantum-resistant digital signatures at the account level.

How exactly will they do this? By introducing hash-based signature schemes, which have already been officially standardized as FIPS 205. In other words, Aptos is using internationally recognized security standards to strengthen security. The key point is that these new schemes will be available as optional features, and existing accounts will remain unaffected; users can upgrade as needed.

In the long term, this is a smart strategic move. Although quantum computing has not yet fully threatened existing cryptographic systems, establishing defenses early is better than scrambling at the last minute. Aptos’s approach balances security and backward compatibility quite well.