NIST Picks 40 Post-Quantum Cryptography Algorithms for Potential Standardization

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has selected 40 post-quantum cryptography algorithms as candidates for the PQC standardization catalog, which is designed to help U.S. networks prepare for quantum computing.

The algorithms were selected out of 50 submissions received in September as part of NIST’s efforts to boost quantum computing capabilities. According to the agency, the candidate algorithms will be subject to evaluations, which could last several years.

The selection comes around a year after NIST chose four algorithms for network deployment standardization. The algorithms were chosen after completing NIST evaluations, Nextgov/FCW reported.

The U.S. government has been working on advancing cryptography implementation and development.

In December, President Joe Biden signed the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act into law. The measure encourages federal government agencies to adopt quantum decryption-resistant technologies and requires the White House to create guidance for assessing post-quantum cryptography standards implementation.

In August, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency published an insight document warning agencies that current cryptography standards might not protect communication, sensitive information abd business transactions from future quantum decryption algorithms. CISA recommended that the government increase its partnerships with the private sector to develop new PQC standards that can mitigate future threats.