The Computer Security Division (CSD) at NIST focuses on developing cybersecurity standards and guidelines to protect federal information systems and help develop innovative security technologies. Their research areas include cryptography, automation, identity and access management, IoT security, and public safety networks. The CSD maintains the Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC), which provides access to NIST’s cybersecurity projects, publications, and events to support U.S. and international stakeholders.
NIST is working on Post-Quantum Cryptography to create cryptographic systems secure against both quantum and present-day computers. With the prediction that quantum computers may become a reality within the next 20 years, NIST aims to create cryptographic systems that can interact with existing communication protocol networks to ensure sensitive information remains secure as quantum computers become more prevalent.
The National Vulnerability Database provides access to the U.S. Government’s repository of vulnerability management data, represented using the Security Automation Protocol. This data enables automation of vulnerability management, security measurement, and compliance, and provides users with access to security checklist references, security-related software flaws, misconfigurations, product names, and impact metrics.
NIST verifies cryptographic modules based on cryptographic standards through the Cryptographic Module Validation Program. Modules validated as conforming to specific standards are accepted by federal agencies for the protection of sensitive information, ensuring that sensitive information is protected and that federal agencies have access to secure cryptographic modules.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/itl/csd
Keywords: quantum, cryptography, standards, computing, security
