Ethereum zkEVMs Shift Focus From Speed to Security

s noThe zkEVM ecosystem has reached a major technical milestone. Modern zkVMs can now generate proofs for nearly all Ethereum mainnet blocks in under 10 seconds using target hardware.

With speed largely solved, the EF is now focusing on security, warning that some zkEVMs rely on weak or unproven assumptions.

Real-Time Proving Shifts Focus to Security

Real-time proving means creating proofs fast enough to match Ethereum’s 12-second block time. The Ethereum Foundation requires zkEVMs to prove 99% of blocks within 10 seconds using open-source software, limited power, and affordable hardware, while keeping proofs small and secure.

On December 18, the EF confirmed that real-time proving now works, so proofs can be checked without slowing the network. With speed largely solved, the EF is now focusing on security, warning that some zkEVMs rely on weak or unproven assumptions.

New research shows these assumptions may not be as safe as once thought. The EF says only fully provable security is acceptable for zkEVMs used at the base layer, as a fake proof could damage Ethereum blockchain at its core.

Ethereum Foundation Sets Clear Security Standards for zkEVMs

The Ethereum Foundation says 128-bit security is the long-term standard for zkEVMs on Layer 1. This level of security is widely accepted as strong enough to protect systems that hold large amounts of value and is far beyond what attackers can realistically break.

To reach this goal, the EF has shared a clear plan. By February 2026, all zkEVM teams must use a shared tool called Sound Calc to measure security in the same way, based on current research.

As revealed, by May 2026, the Glamsterdam milestone requires at least 100-bit security, proof sizes under 600 kilobytes, and clear explanations of how proofs work and why they are safe. By the end of 2026, zkEVMs must reach full 128-bit security and reduce proof sizes to under 300 kilobytes.

New Tools Push zkEVMs Toward Secure Ethereum Scaling

Several new tools are helping make these goals possible. The Ethereum Foundation highlighted WHIR, a new proof method that produces smaller and faster proofs while remaining secure. It also pointed to other techniques that reduce proof size without weakening safety.

If successful, zkEVMs could greatly improve Ethereum’s scalability. Validators would check small proofs instead of re-running every transaction. This would allow more activity without needing stronger hardware and help keep home staking viable.

However, challenges remain. Most results come from test settings, not large real-world use, and security standards may change as research advances. Writing and verifying full security proofs also takes significant time and effort.

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