Code-Based Cryptography for Post-Quantum Standardization

Code-Based Cryptography is one of the most promising families within the so-called Post-Quantum Cryptography. This area of research stems from the need to address the possible threat posed by Quantum computers. In fact, thanks to Shor's Algorithm, the majority of cryptographic primitives in use today (based on “classic” Number Theory problems such as factoring or computing discrete logarithms) will be insecure once a suitable quantum computer is developed. Therefore, it is necessary to provide credible alternatives and be ready for a major change. Keeping in mind migration time and the desired lifetime of secrets, it is clear that it is already time to move, and with this in mind, NIST has launched a call for proposals to design the new standards for Post-Quantum cryptography.

In this talk, I will discuss some recent developments in Code-Based Cryptography. After introducing and reviewing the primitive known as KEM (Key Encapsulation Mechanism), I will present three projects that have been submitted as candidates for NIST's call. Everyone welcome!