Large-scale quantum computers are projected to become a reality within the next decade. Although this might seem to be in the distant future, cryptographers are already developing new cryptographic algorithms to safeguard data against the threat of quantum computers. The urgency in developing post-quantum secure algorithms is based on the notion that quantum computers can undermine the security of common cryptographic standards like RSA and discrete log signatures. By solving complex problems much faster than traditional computers, quantum computers would render current systems insecure and compromise online banking, secure communications, and blockchain transactions.
In 2016, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) initiated a global request to submit post-quantum-secure algorithms. After stringent vetting, evaluation, and testing by cryptographic experts, NIST has announced the first three post-quantum cryptography standards: the Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard, the Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Standard, and the Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Standard. NIST …