NXP Helps Develop Next-Generation Security Standards with Post-Quantum Cryptography

NXP Helps Develop Next-Generation Security Standards with Post-Quantum Cryptography

• The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has selected NXP’s co-signed Crystals-Kyber professional algorithm for the development of post-quantum cryptography standards

• The second algorithm submission co-authored by NXP advances to the fourth round for further analysis before possible standardization

• New public key encryption standard designed for traditional computers will help protect the world's data from quantum computers

Eindhoven, the Netherlands – July 26, 2022 – NXP Semiconductors NV (NXP) today announced that a dedicated security algorithm co-authored by NXP security experts has been selected by NIST to become part of an industry global standard designed to combat quantum threats. A second algorithm co-authored by NXP will also enter the fourth and final round for further analysis and consideration for standardization. This work is expected to be needed to protect encrypted data and connected devices as the dangers of quantum computers become more apparent. The selected post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithm will be used to develop a new public key encryption standard to protect the security of both traditional and quantum computers.

Many cybersecurity experts believe that when large-scale quantum computers mature, their powerful computing power will be able to "overcome" encryption challenges in a very short time and crack the current public key encryption system. At that time, data, digital signatures and devices may be vulnerable. This poses a great security risk to online devices and data, including financial transactions, critical infrastructure, wireless remote upgrade mechanisms, etc.

To solve this problem, NIST announced that it will standardize the PQC algorithm to allow related industries to transition to a new security system before the quantum threat arrives . The Lattice-based Crystals-Kyber cryptography algorithm jointly submitted by NXP and IBM security experts will become the basis of the new standard. Classic McEliece, also co-signed by NXP, belongs to the code-based encryption series and has entered a new round of analysis and will be considered for standardization.

“As the world becomes more connected and data-driven, we must ensure that our data and devices are secure, even from quantum computers,” said Joppe Bos, senior principal cryptographer at NXP. “As NIST pushes forward to develop new post-quantum standards, NXP will spare no effort to provide our deep knowledge in security and our algorithmic expertise to continuously strengthen the security of our products for a post-quantum future. Our goal is to contribute to common standards so that our customers can achieve long-term security in their products.”

“Industry security experts from IBM, NXP and Arm®, along with their academic partners (ENS, RAB, CWI and RUB), have come together to deliver an industry-leading algorithm that will help shape the way we think about cryptography and security for decades to come,” said Michael Osborne, Principal Research Scientist Manager, Foundational Cryptography, IBM. “Not only is Kyber faster than current standards , it also provides our clients with strong security guarantees to protect systems and data as we enter the quantum era.”