Second-Round Selection: NIST advances 14 digital signature algorithms in its post-quantum cryptography standardization process.
Evaluation Timeline: Teams can submit updates, with the review process expected to take 12-18 months.
Upcoming Conference: NIST will host its 6th PQC Standardization Conference from September 24-26, 2025, in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
NIST has announced the selection of 14 digital signature algorithms to proceed to the second round of the Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Standardization Process. These candidates were chosen following more than a year of careful evaluation and collaboration within the cryptographic community.
The digital signature algorithms advancing include CROSS, FAEST, HAWK, LESS, MAYO, Mirath (a combination of MIRA and MiRitH), MQOM, PERK, QR-UOV, RYDE, SDitH, SNOVA, SQIsign, and UOV. The effort reflects the combined contributions of submission teams and external reviewers working toward the next generation of secure cryptographic standards.
The selected algorithms have the opportunity to submit updated specifications and implementations to refine their solutions further. NIST will offer additional guidance to the submission teams as they move through this next phase. The second-round review process is expected to last between 12 and 18 months, ensuring each candidate undergoes a thorough evaluation.
To facilitate engagement across the field, NIST has also announced plans to host the 6th PQC Standardization Conference from September 24-26, 2025, at its Gaithersburg, Maryland campus. This event will serve as a venue for discussions on the progress of these cryptographic solutions.
"NIST thanks all of the candidate submission teams for their efforts in this standardization process as well as the cryptographic community at large, which helped analyze the signature schemes."
— NIST, Official Announcement
This phase of the PQC Standardization Process is essential to preparing cryptographic infrastructure for the potential impact of quantum computing. The chosen algorithms aim to provide secure digital communications that can withstand future security threats. The initiative continues to demonstrate the importance of staying ahead of emerging challenges.
