A Step Closer to Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards

In the world of security, staying ahead of emerging threats is vital. Quantum computers will bring major changes to the cryptographic landscape and now is the time to prepare. At Rambus, we are already proactively helping our customers get ready for the quantum computing era with our next-generation Root of Trust IP that protects hardware and data with the quantum-resistant algorithms selected by NIST.

The recent news that NIST has kicked off the process of standardizing quantum-resistant algorithms marks an important milestone for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as it transitions from research subject to standardization. The new standards will be a vital tool for organizations as they begin to integrate quantum safe cryptography.

NIST has released three draft standards for the quantum-resistant algorithms it selected in 2022.

• FIPS 203 ML-KEM: Module-Lattice-Based Key Encapsulation Mechanism Standard, which is based on the previously selected CRYSTALS-Kyber mechanism
• FIPS 204 ML-DSA: Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Standard, which is based on the previously selected CRYSTALS-Dilithium signature scheme
• FIPS 205 SLH-DSA: Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Standard, which is based on the previously selected SPHINCS+ signature scheme

The cryptographic community is invited to provide their feedback on these draft standards between now and November 22, 2023. A draft standard for FALCON, the fourth quantum-resistant algorithm selected by NIST, will be released sometime next year.

The RT-634, RT-654 and RT-664 Root of Trust cores use the ML-KEM Key Encapsulation mechanism (CRYSTALS-Kyber), the ML-DSA digital signature algorithms (CRYSTALS-Dilithium), along with the stateful hash-based signature verification methods XMSS and LMS to deliver Quantum Safe Cryptography to protect hardware and data against quantum attacks. For customers already using these products, support for the FIPS 203 and 204 draft standards will be made through a firmware update – no hardware changes are necessary.

Want to know more about getting ready for the quantum computing era? Check out our Protecting Data and Devices Now and in the Quantum Computing white paper for everything you need to know.