ECVRF
An elliptic-curve verifiable random function, which proves that a random output was computed honestly from a key. Proof-of-stake chains use it to elect block producers. Broken by Shor's algorithm on a cryptographically relevant quantum computer, which recovers the private key from the public key.
- Quantum status
- Broken by Shor's algorithm
- Standard
- RFC 9381, final
- Family
- elliptic curve
- Also known as
- Elliptic-curve verifiable random function, VRF
Rated chains using it
- Cardano Mainnet, mandatory
Randomness. Slot-leader election. Statement or write-up
- Conflux Mainnet, mandatory
Randomness, secp256k1, SHA-256. Cipher suite SECP256K1_SHA256_TAI, used to elect proof-of-stake committee members. Source code or release
- GateChain Mainnet, mandatory
Randomness. VRF selection of each round's committee. GateChain's published crypto library implements an Ed25519-based VRF through libsodium; the node's own source is not public, so the library's use in the node is not confirmed. Specification or proposal
- VeChain Mainnet, mandatory
Randomness, secp256k1, SHA-256. VIP-214 random beacon; the proof sits in the header's signature field and is verified against the block signer's key. Source code or release
Sources
- RFC 9381: Verifiable Random Functions (VRFs) , IRTF. Accessed 19 October 2026.
Published beside the Hardy Score and not an input to it. How each chain is scored is set out in the methodology.