Getting Ready for Post-Quantum Cryptography: Exploring Challenges Associated with Adopting and Using Post-Quantum Cryptographic Algorithms

Published

April 28, 2021

Author(s)

Murugiah Souppaya, Tim Polk, William Barker

Abstract

Cryptographic technologies are used throughout government and industry to authenticate the source and protect the confidentiality and integrity of information that we communicate and store. The paper describes the impact of quantum computing technology on classical cryptography, particularly on public-key cryptographic systems. This paper also introduces adoption challenges associated with post-quantum cryptography after the standardization process is completed. Planning requirements for migration to post-quantum cryptography are discussed. The paper concludes with NIST's next steps for helping with the migration to post-quantum cryptography.

Citation

OTHER - Cybersecurity White Paper (CSWP) 04282021

Report Number

Cybersecurity White Paper (CSWP) 04282021

NIST Pub Series

Other

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.CSWP.04282021

Local Download

Keywords

crypto agility, cryptography, crypto transition, digital signatures, key establishment mechanism (KEM), post-quantum cryptography, public-key encryption, quantum resistant, quantum safe.

Citation

Souppaya, M. , Polk, T. and Barker, W. (2021), Getting Ready for Post-Quantum Cryptography: Exploring Challenges Associated with Adopting and Using Post-Quantum Cryptographic Algorithms, OTHER, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.CSWP.04282021, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=932330 (Accessed October 10, 2025)