In response to the rapid evolution of quantum computing, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) started a process to select quantum-resistant cryptography algorithms for standardization in 2016. After several rounds of analysis and public scrutinity, the NIST has published three standards in 2024 (ML-KEM, ML-DSA and SLH-DSA) and is planning to release a fourth one (FN-DSA) in 2025 as well as a fifth one (HQC) in 2027.

The security of two out of three of the selected signature schemes relies on the hardness of solving mathematical problems based on structured lattices. To mitigate the risks associated to future attacks, the NIST wishes to diversify the portfolio of hard mathematical problems underlying signature schemes hence have launched a new process to select additionnal digital signature schemes for standardization in 2023.

In collaboration with 40+ partners from 10+ countries, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has contributed to the HQC standard and has been involved in 6 out of 14 candidates that are currently considered and analyzed in the Round 2 of the NIST Standardization of Additional Digital Signature Schemes project.

• 2025/02/05 - Deadline for updating signature schemes selected for the round 2 of the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization of Additional Digital Signature Schemes process.


• 2024/10/24 – The round 2 of the NIST Post-Quantum Standardization of Additional Digital Signature Schemes project has started. Amongst the 40 proposals from round 1, the NIST has selected 14 candidates including LESS, Mirath (merge of MIRA and MiRitH), PERK, RYDE, SDitH and SQISign.


• 2024/08/13 – NIST has published the ML-KEM, ML-DSA and SLH-DSA standards.


• 2023/07/18 – The round 1 of the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization of Additional Digital Signature Schemes project has started. Amongst the 50 proposals submitted, the NIST has selected 40 candidates including Biscuit, LESS, MIRA, MiRitH, PERK, RYDE and SQISign.


• 2023/06/01 – Deadline of the call for proposal for the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization of Additional Digital Signature Schemes process.