The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released draft standards for three out of four quantum-resistant encryption algorithms selected in 2022. These algorithms are designed to protect sensitive information from being decrypted by future quantum computers. NIST is seeking public feedback on the draft standards until November 22, 2023.
The process of developing these quantum-resistant algorithms began in 2016 when NIST called for submissions from cryptographic experts worldwide. After analyzing 69 candidate algorithms, NIST selected four for standardization in 2022. The three draft standards released today are for CRYSTALS-Kyber (public-key encryption), CRYSTALS-Dilithium (digital signatures), and SPHINCS+ (digital signatures). A draft standard for the fourth algorithm, FALCON, is expected next year.
The new standards will eventually replace three NIST cryptographic standards that are vulnerable to quantum computers: FIPS 186-5, NIST SP 800-56A, and NIST SP 800-56B. NIST is accepting public feedback on the draft standards until November 22, 2023. The completed post-quantum encryption standards are expected to be integrated into global encryption infrastructure to protect sensitive information from quantum threats.
Keywords: Post-quantum, Cryptography, Algorithms, Encryption, Quantum-resistant
