US institute awards algorithms developed by Swiss IBM lab

With the introduction of quantum computers, encryption technologies have to be updated as well. This is because existing encryption technologies could potentially be cracked by quantum computers. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA launched a competition in 2016 with a focus on developing quantum-resistant encryption technologies.

After around six years, NIST named four winning algorithms at the start of July that are considered to be particularly promising in the area of encryption technologies. They therefore have the potential to come out on top against quantum computers, further details of which can be found in a press release issued by the US institute.

Three of the four algorithms were developed or jointly developed by IBM, the technology giant headquartered in the US State of New York writes in a blog post. According to an article published by the specialist portal inside-it.ch, three of the algorithms originate from IBM’s Swiss research lab in Rüschlikon. According to information from the company itself, IBM has been working on quantum-resistant cryptography with its Rüschlikon-based team for several years already.

NIST is now calling on IT experts to evaluate the four selected algorithms, although it emphasizes that these should not yet be integrated in systems. Before they become the standard, the algorithms may still need to be adapted.