NIST has selected the first four quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms to become part of its post-quantum cryptographic standard. These algorithms are designed to withstand attacks from future quantum computers, which could break current encryption methods.
The selected algorithms include CRYSTALS-Kyber for general encryption and CRYSTALS-Dilithium, FALCON, and SPHINCS+ for digital signatures. These algorithms use math problems that are difficult for both conventional and quantum computers to solve, providing security both now and in the future.
NIST plans to announce additional finalists for the standard in the future, and the final standard is expected to be completed in about two years. In the meantime, organizations are encouraged to inventory their systems for applications using public-key cryptography and prepare for the transition to post-quantum cryptography.
Keywords: Quantum, Post-quantum, Cryptography, Encryption, Algorithms
