---
title: "ECVRF: which blockchains use it"
url: "https://hardyindex.com/algorithms/ecvrf"
---

# 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 on a cryptographically relevant quantum computer.
- **Standard:** RFC 9381 (IRTF, final).
- **Family:** elliptic curve.
- **Also known as:** Elliptic-curve verifiable random function, VRF.

## Rated chains using it

- [Cardano](https://hardyindex.com/chains/cardano.md): randomness, mainnet, mandatory. Slot-leader election. Source (statement or write-up): https://www.iog.io/news/cardano-vision-2026-the-research-program-securing-cardano
- [Conflux](https://hardyindex.com/chains/conflux.md): randomness, mainnet, mandatory, secp256k1, SHA-256. Cipher suite SECP256K1_SHA256_TAI, used to elect proof-of-stake committee members. Source (source code or release): https://github.com/Conflux-Chain/conflux-rust/blob/master/crates/pos/crypto/crypto/src/ec_vrf.rs
- [GateChain](https://hardyindex.com/chains/gatechain.md): randomness, mainnet, mandatory. 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. Source (specification or proposal): https://gatechain.io/docs/general/consensus/
- [VeChain](https://hardyindex.com/chains/vechain.md): randomness, mainnet, mandatory, 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 (source code or release): https://github.com/vechain/thor/blob/master/vrf/vrf.go

## Sources

- [RFC 9381: Verifiable Random Functions (VRFs)](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc9381), IRTF. Accessed 19 October 2026.