NIST has announced the third round finalists in its Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization Process, selecting 7 algorithms for public-key encryption/KEMs and 7 for digital signatures. The process aims to identify quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms to protect data from quantum computing threats.
Key points:
– 7 finalists selected for public-key encryption/KEMs: Classic McEliece, CRYSTALS-KYBER, NTRU, SABER
– 7 finalists selected for digital signatures: CRYSTALS-DILITHIUM, FALCON
– 8 alternate candidates also advanced, including BIKE, FrodoKEM, HQ, CNRU Prime, SIKE, GeMSS, Picnic, SPHINCS+
– NIST expects a fourth round of evaluation for some candidates
– Timeline for third phase: 12-18 months, with a planned conference in 2021
– NIST will allow submission teams to provide updated specifications and implementations
The process aims to identify quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms to protect data from quantum computing threats. NIST will continue evaluating the finalists and alternates, with a planned conference in 2021 to discuss the findings.
Keywords: standardization, post-quantum, cryptography, algorithm, security
