The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) selected the Hamming Quanchoreomorphic Ring (HQC) at Florida Atlantic University for standardization of post-Quantum encryption (PQC) projects.
After a thorough evaluation process, NIST chose HQC and became part of a new generation of quantum cryptography standards for its ability to meet security, efficiency and practical implementation standards.
HQC is a encryption algorithm designed to ensure key exchange between two parties, allowing the sharing of a common private key that can be used to encrypt and decrypt messages.
This key exchange is an important aspect of ensuring communication channels, ensuring that both parties have the same quantum encryption key without the risk of interception.
Protecting digital communications with quantum encryption
Hamming Quasi-Cyclic is a next-generation encryption solution aimed at protecting sensitive digital communications, providing robust protection against both new threats in quantum computing today and in the future.
This is the second key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) standardized by NIST, first being ML-KEM. KEMs are used to securely exchange quantum encryption keys between parties, making them essential for secure communication.
FAU is the only US university involved among all authors of the two winning KEM schemes selected by NIST, highlighting its prominent role in the field of post-Quantum encryption.
“The choice of HQC is a huge step forward in preparing quantum computers for a future that disrupts current cryptographic systems,” says Dr. Edoardo Persichetti, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Fau Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
“What sets HQC apart is quantum resistance security. Unlike traditional encryption methods that can be broken by powerful quantum computers, HQC is specially designed to withstand attacks from these advanced machines.
“This will become a post-Quantum encryption solution, meaning it is built to protect against future threats posed by quantum computing.”
The role of post-Quantum encryption projects in the future of Quantum
The PQC initiative launched by NIST in 2016 is a project aimed at developing new quantum cryptography standards that can withstand the potential threats posed by quantum computers.
Quantum computers have the ability to solve mathematical problems that traditional computers cannot do, and can make current encryption systems, such as RSA and ECC (elliptic curve encryption). These systems are widely used to protect sensitive data and communications.
The future of collaboration in the quantum industry
“This achievement highlights the power of international cooperation in advances in post-Quantum encryption, and is evidence of the global impact of our research.”
“It is also a moment of great pride for the Schmidt University of Science crypto team, promoting its position as a key force in securing the future of digital information in the United States, particularly in the critical areas of post-Quantum encryption.”
Persichetti concluded: “By addressing this future risk, the PQC initiative aims to ensure that critical systems for data protection, digital signatures and secure communications continue to function securely in the quantum age.
“This continuous evaluation and standardization process provides the foundation for developing quantum-resistant encryption algorithms that can protect both current and future digital infrastructure, ensuring the privacy and security of generations.”
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