In recent years, a lot of work has been devoted to the development of quantum computers, that exploit the principles of quantum physics to solve mathematical problems that are too complex for classical computers.
If a large-scale quantum computer comes into being, it could break public key encryption systems currently in use, which will compromise the confidentiality and integrity of our communications. This problem is already present, as an attacker could harvest encrypted data today, and decrypt later, waiting for quantum computers powerful enough.
The post-quantum cryptography aims to design cryptographic systems capable of resisting both classical and quantum computer attacks, while remaining compatible with existing protocols and infrastructures.
The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is an American organization that sets technological standards that are used around the world. For several years, it has been conducting a rigorous process to select the best post-quantum encryption algorithms to ensure the security of our communications in the future.
HQC - A new standard
NIST has just announced the selection of HQC as the second post-quantum encryption standard, among the four schemes still in the running (BIKE, HQC, Classic McEliece and SIKE). HQC is based on error-correcting codes, mathematical problems different from ML-KEM (ex-Kyber), the other standardized key exchange algorithm in 2022. If a flaw is discovered in ML-KEM, HQC could take over and continue to secure our data. This second choice comes at the end of a long standardization process that began in 2017.
XLIM and Institut Mathématique de Bordeaux played a central role in the development of HQC. This recognition by the NIST testifies to the excellence of research in cryptography and cybersecurity developed in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region.
Congratulations to Carlos Aguilar Melchor, Nicolas Aragon, Slim Bettaieb, Loïc Bidoux, Olivier Blazy, Jean-Christophe Deneuville, Philippe Gaborit, Edoardo Persichetti, Gilles Zémor, Jurjen Bos, Arnaud Dion, Jerome Lacan, Jean-Marc Robert and Pascal Veron for this success!
