NIST has finalized three post-quantum encryption standards designed to protect against quantum computer attacks. The standards, developed through an eight-year effort, are ready for immediate use and include instructions for integration into products and systems. NIST mathematician Dustin Moody encourages system administrators to start implementing these standards now, as full integration will take time.
The new standards are based on different mathematical problems that would be difficult for both classical and quantum computers to solve. They are designed for general encryption and digital signatures, two essential tasks for which encryption is typically used. NIST continues to evaluate additional algorithms and is working on backup plans to ensure the continued security of sensitive electronic information.
The three finalized standards are:
– FFC (CRYSTALS-Kyber)
– FALCON
– Sphincs+
These standards are expected to become a critical component of modern encryption systems as quantum computing technology continues to develop rapidly.
Keywords: Algorithms, Encryption, Cybersecurity, Quantum, Post-quantum
