NIST approves 14 new quantum encryption algorithms for standardization
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Following the release of the first set of post-quantum encryption algorithms, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is advancing a second series of options to protect important data.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced a new series of digital signature algorithms ready for the agency’s post-quantum cryptographic standardization process, following the finalization of the inaugural three earlier this year.
14 new algorithms are now candidates for PQC standardization after over a year of evaluation, the agency confirmed. These algorithms are intended to be implemented in networks prior to the advent of a potential fault-tolerant quantum computer.
The algorithms are designed to protect against that future quantum computer's ability to process sufficiently large volumes of data and break the standard encryption schemes that protect today’s sensitive digital information.
The algorithms’ names include CROSS, FAEST, HAWK, LESS, MAYO, Mirath, MQOM, PERK, QR-UOV, RYDE, SDitH, SNOVA, SQIsign, UOV. These candidates will now enter the second round for standardization, which the agency expects to take 12 to 18 months.