A new roadmap proposal concerning the future security of the Ethereum (ETH) network emerged on November 11, 2026. Ethlabs, a nonprofit organization founded by former Ethereum Foundation researchers, has called for Ethereum's transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic infrastructure to be accelerated to 2027. Published on the Ethereum Magicians forum under the name pqai27, the proposal argues that artificial intelligence is accelerating mathematical research and the discovery of software vulnerabilities, making it necessary to reassess the network's existing security timeline. According to a November 12 report by The Block, the proposal also involves reconsidering certain priorities in upcoming network upgrades.
Why Does Ethlabs Want to Change Ethereum's Security Timeline?
Ethlabs believes that advances in quantum computing could threaten the long-term security of existing encryption methods.
In its statement, the organization cited the U.S. government's decision to move its quantum risk preparedness target from 2035 to 2030, along with Google's preparations for 2029.
According to Ethlabs, artificial intelligence's growing ability to accelerate the solution of mathematical problems and identify software vulnerabilities more effectively is also influencing security planning across blockchain networks.
However, the proposal does not claim that Ethereum's existing cryptography has been broken or that the network is currently under attack by quantum computers.
Alongside post-quantum security measures, Ethlabs is calling for the development of more resilient client software capable of withstanding AI-assisted attacks.
The proposed approach emphasizes mathematically verified software components, the use of diverse client implementations, and cryptographic methods that rely on fewer assumptions.
Two Distinct Security Targets Established for 2027
Ethlabs' proposal defines two different levels of preparedness for 2027.
The first stage, known as pqai-ready, aims to prepare Ethereum's consensus mechanism for post-quantum security while establishing a migration path that allows users to protect their accounts.
At this stage, the network is expected to maintain its existing capacity while retaining the ability to continue operating securely at reduced capacity if a serious cryptographic threat emerges.
The second stage, called pqai-scaled, aims to enable post-quantum-secure transactions and data availability mechanisms to operate at full scale.
Ethlabs considers the second stage a more ambitious target for 2027. However, there is no firm commitment that both stages will be completed within the same timeframe.
Accelerating the Ethereum Foundation's previously revised post-quantum readiness target of 2028 could spark a new debate over development priorities among Ethereum developers.
Priorities Could Shift in the Hegotá Upgrade
One of the most concrete implications of the proposal concerns development priorities for Ethereum's upcoming Hegotá network upgrade.
Ethlabs has recommended reconsidering certain features that are not essential to post-quantum preparedness.
The organization announced that it would remove the quick slots initiative, which aims to shorten block production intervals, from its Hegotá-related development plans and redirect development resources toward the pqai27 objectives.
Meanwhile, it argued that work on Frames, which is associated with account security, should remain a priority.
Ethlabs also supports allowing the Glamsterdam upgrade to proceed according to its existing schedule.
For the proposal to become part of Ethereum's official roadmap, technical evaluation and coordination among core developers will be required. Ethlabs' announcement alone does not constitute a finalized protocol decision.
Kriptofoni Analysis
Ethlabs' proposal reinforces the growing debate over whether Ethereum developers should prioritize long-term cryptographic security alongside transaction processing capacity.
If the 2027 target is adopted, the timelines for certain performance improvements could change. Nevertheless, the technical complexity of transitioning to post-quantum security, combined with Ethereum's decentralized structure, could make rapid decision-making difficult.
The development does not necessarily imply any specific movement in the price of ETH. The key issue to monitor in the coming period will be whether Ethereum's core developers decide to adopt the proposal.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are high-risk; make investment decisions based on your own research.
Content Editor and Writer
Dr. Mesut İnan is a researcher, academic and crypto journalist who has been producing content about cryptocurrencies since 2018. He brings a different perspective to the industry by combining his expertise in sociology with the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Before joining Kriptofoni as co-founder, content editor and writer, İnan worked for several cryptocurrency media platforms: he was an editor and writer at Kriptokoin from 2018 to 2023 and at COINTURK from 2023 to 2024. İnan made a valuable contribution to the ecosystem with his book on Bitcoin, "Bitcoin Sen Bizim Her Şeyimizsin" (Bitcoin, You Are Our Everything). Alongside his academic background, his regular analyses, news and commentary have made him one of the well-known names in cryptocurrency journalism in Turkey. İnan continues his work as a writer and educator and remains a prominent expert voice in the cryptocurrency field.
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