Dr. Joseph Kearney - Post-Quantum Blockchain Security Researcher
Blockchain Researcher & Post-Quantum Cryptography Expert
Founder of BlockSphere, providing blockchain and post-quantum cryptography consulting. Previously Research Associate at the University of Kent.
About
I'm a researcher with over eight years of experience at the intersection of blockchain, cryptography, and quantum technologies. My work focuses on understanding and mitigating the risks that quantum computing poses to current cryptographic systems, particularly in blockchain networks.
Read more →Research Areas
Post-Quantum Security
Analysing vulnerabilities in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin to quantum attacks.
Quantum Mining
Exploring how quantum devices could affect blockchain economics and energy efficiency.
Consensus Design
Developing fair consensus mechanisms that reduce barriers to participation.
Expertise in Post-Quantum Blockchains
My research focuses on transitioning blockchain networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum to post-quantum blockchains using NIST-approved algorithms including ML-DSA (Dilithium), ML-KEM (Kyber), and SLH-DSA (SPHINCS+). I analyse quantum threats to blockchain security and develop practical migration strategies for quantum-resistant cryptographic systems.
Through my work on post-quantum cryptography standards, I help organisations prepare for the quantum computing era by implementing lattice-based cryptography, hash-based signatures, and other quantum-safe primitives in blockchain infrastructure.
Current Work
Through BlockSphere(opens in new tab), I provide consulting on blockchain architecture, post-quantum cryptography migration, and security assessments(opens in new tab) for enterprises and startups navigating the transition to quantum-resistant systems.
I also organised the world's first post-quantum Bitcoin event at Bitcoin Vegas 2025, bringing together researchers and developers to discuss the path forward for quantum-resistant blockchain infrastructure.
Open Source
I maintain pq-crypto(opens in new tab), an open-source Rust implementation of post-quantum digital signature schemes including ML-DSA (FIPS 204), FN-DSA (FALCON), and UOV. Built for learning and experimentation, featuring comprehensive test suites with 307+ tests.
The project implements NIST-approved algorithms with secure memory handling, constant-time operations, and proper input validation - ideal for developers wanting to understand post-quantum cryptography internals.
View on GitHub (opens in new tab)FUD or Fact: Quantum Computing Analysis
I write evidence-based analysis on FUD or Fact(opens in new tab), a platform dedicated to separating quantum computing hype from reality. Every article analyzes claims about post-quantum attacks and cryptographic threats, delivering clear verdicts backed by academic research.
From Bitcoin's quantum vulnerability to post-quantum migration strategies, each piece cuts through the sensationalism to provide actionable insights for technical decision-makers.
Read latest verdicts (opens in new tab)