The National Institute of Standards and Technology has narrowed down its selection of algorithms to thwart quantum and traditional cyberattacks to 26, NIST said Wednesday.
NIST’s analysts and experts selected the algorithms from a pool of submissions for the agency’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization program that was launched in 2016. The project seeks to establish standards for securing user information against attacks utilizing conventional or new cryptographic procedures.Â
“These 26 algorithms are the ones we are considering for potential standardization, and for the next 12 months we are requesting that the cryptography community focus on analyzing their performance,†said Dustin Moody, a mathematician at NIST.
Moody added that the NIST wants to deploy quantum-resistant algorithms capable of performing lightweight cryptography and can handle devices with limited processor power. NIST also noted that phase two of the project will focus on studying the feasibility of the 26 algorithms across various systems such as large computers, smart phones, smart cards, microchips and other devices designed for an internet of things environment.
The organization said that a third increment could potentially be launched following the project’s second round of reviews.