U.S. Agency NIST selected four quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms

Seems like everyone and their mom is worried about Quantum computing wreaking havoc on the modern world. My Bank teller was sharing with me just last week they are in planning meetings all week discussing how to combat Quantum computing. My response was crisp, how about starting with MFA (multi-factor authentication) to stop most of the traditional attacks; today! 1000 mile stare is all I got in response. 

Have no fear the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has selected four quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms for general encryption and digital signatures to defend modern computing.

What has taken place? NIST has taken the past 6-years to evaluate quantum resistant (AKA QR) alternatives. 

They reviewed cryptographic algorithms for:

• Digital signatures,
• Key exchange,
• Public key encryption

What are today's approved standards?

• Key algorithms include AES-256 for symmetric key encryption, S
• HA-256 and SHA-3 for hashing functions,
• RSA public key encryption for digital signatures and key establishment,
• Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECDSA, ECDH) and DSA public key encryption for digital signatures and key exchange.

 What has been selected for a post-quantum world?

• CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm for general encryption  

Who is using CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm and how?

• Amazon AWS for its security on TLS V1.2 and behind HTTPS websites
• CloudFlare uses it in its post-quantum CIRCL (Cloudflare Interoperable, Reusable Cryptographic Library) library of cryptographic primitives written in Go.
• IBM for its first quantum-resistant tape drive (I wrote about this drive here ) https://www.publish0x.com/quantum-computing-in-bite-size-pieces/ibm-released-first-worlds-first-quantum-computing-safe-tape-xnxwkqm

What else has NIST considered for post-quantum world?

• CRYSTALS-Dilithium,
• FALCON 
• SPHINCS+ for post-quantum digital signatures.

Together these four algorithms make up post-quantum standards

• CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm for general encryption
• CRYSTALS-Dilithium,
• FALCON 
• SPHINCS+ for post-quantum digital signatures.

Timeframe -  NIST expects the new set of public-key cryptography standards by 2024.

Summary - 2024 will usher in a new age as several firms are boasting large Qubit capable computers (1000 plus) and seems we have guiderails to help secure the new modern computing realm. Prepare for launch into the Quantum Realm