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Ascon-Based Lightweight Cryptography Standards for Constrained Devices | NIST Invites Public Comments on SP 800-232

The initial public draft of Special Publication (SP) 800-232, Ascon-Based Lightweight Cryptography Standards for Constrained Devices: Authenticated Encryption, Hash, and Extendable Output Functions is available for public comment through February 7, 2025

The initial public draft of Special Publication (SP) 800-232,  Ascon-Based Lightweight Cryptography Standards for Constrained Devices: Authenticated Encryption, Hash, and Extendable Output Functions, is now available for public comment.

This draft standard introduces a new Ascon-based family of symmetric-key cryptographic primitives that provides robust security, efficiency, and flexibility. With its compact state and range of cryptographic functions, it is ideal for resource-constrained environments, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, embedded systems, and low-power sensors. This standard includes multiple algorithms to meet a wide range of symmetric cryptographic needs, including the Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data (AEAD) scheme Ascon-AEAD128, the hash function Ascon-Hash256, and the Extendable Output Functions (XOFs) Ascon-XOF128 and Ascon-CXOF128.

The public comment period is open through February 7, 2025. See the publication details for a copy of the draft and instructions for submitting comments.



NOTE: A call for patent claims is included on page ii of this draft. For additional information, see the
Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) Patent Policy Inclusion of Patents in ITL Publications.

Released November 8, 2024