When NIST announced the first set of Post Quantum Cryptography Algorithms (PQC) for standardization, they aimed to increase diversity in digital signature algorithms beyond the initial three selections. Specifically, they sought alternatives to structured lattice approaches to safeguard against potential weaknesses. In September 2022, NIST invited proposals for evaluating additional PQC digital signatures and received 40 valid submissions by the June deadline.
NIST has now shortlisted 14 algorithms for further evaluation in Round 2. The selected algorithms, spanning various types, include:
- CROSS; Code Based
- LESS; Code Based
- HAWK; Lattice Based
- QR-UOV; Multivariate Based
- MAYO; Multivariate Based
- SNOVA; Multivariate Based
- UOV; Multivariate Based
- Mirath (merger of MIRA/MiRitH); MPC-in-the-head Based
- MQOM; MPC-in-the-head Based
- PERK; MPC-in-the-head Based
- RYDE; MPC-in-the-head Based
- SDitH; MPC-in-the-head Based
- SQIsign; Isogeny Based
- FAEST; Symmetric Based
These algorithms will undergo a thorough Round 2 evaluation over the next 12-18 months. Participating teams can make minor adjustments and submit additional documentation by January 17, 2025.
For more details on the down-selection process, visit NIST’s official announcement here. Additionally, you can explore NIST’s internal report on the first round evaluation here, and access information on each algorithm being evaluated in Round 2 here.
October 24, 2024
dougfinke2024-10-24T15:37:42-07:00
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