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National Security Agency (NSA) Quantum Computing and Post-Quantum Cryptography FAQ

Lattice-based cryptography derives its security from the related problems of finding a short vector in a lattice or finding a lattice vector that is close to a target vector not in the lattice. These systems are fairly well-studied in cryptologic literature, and analysis suggests that these systems can be secure when well-parameterized. We agree with the NIST assessment, documented in NISTIR 8309: Status Report on the Second Round of the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization Process, that these are among the most efficient post-quantum designs. Based on their history of analysis and implementation efforts, NSA CSD expects that a NIST-candidate lattice-based signature and a NIST-candidate lattice-based key encapsulation mechanism will be approved for NSS.