2022: Milestone Year for Post-quantum Cryptography as NIST Selects Final Algorithms
2022 marked a revolutionary year for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with several major developments. NIST announced its Round 3 winners in July 2022, selecting four algorithms as the foundation for future post-quantum standards. This followed the defeat of prominent candidates SIKE and Rainbow, highlighting the need for diverse cryptographic approaches.
Key developments included:
- NIST's selection of four PQC algorithms, plus two previously approved hash-based algorithms (LMS and XMSS)
- Launch of NIST Round 4 to explore additional algorithm options and diversify approaches beyond lattice-based cryptography
- ISARA's release of hybrid certificate technology into the public domain
- Multiple U.S. government directives pushing for quantum-safe transitions:
- January White House memo on cybersecurity
- May directive on quantum safety preparations
- September NSA cryptography policy updates
- November OMB memo encouraging prototype testing
Industry experts emphasize the need for crypto-agility in transitioning to post-quantum solutions. Hybrid certificates emerged as a crucial tool, allowing systems to simultaneously support both classical and post-quantum cryptography during the transition period.
The Cloud Security Alliance set April 14, 2030 as the deadline for achieving quantum readiness, creating a clear timeline for organizations to prepare. Major companies like Cloudflare have already begun implementing hybrid certificates with draft PQC standards, demonstrating the urgency of transition planning.
The industry expects continued rapid developments in 2023 as organizations begin actively implementing PQC solutions and preparing for the quantum computing future. This transformation represents the biggest change in cryptographic infrastructure since the advent of modern digital security.