NIST Adds SandboxAQ's HQC to Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards
SandboxAQ has announced that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has selected HQC (Hamming Quasi-Cyclic) as the fifth algorithm in its suite of post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) standards. HQC, along with ML-KEM, will play a vital role in securing global communications, including the Internet, cellular networks, payment systems, and more.
This is a significant milestone for SandboxAQ, marking its second major contribution to NIST's post-quantum standardization efforts. The selection of HQC reinforces the company's position at the forefront of quantum-resistant cryptography. HQC is a key encapsulation mechanism designed to safeguard the exchange of encryption keys against quantum threats. Unlike traditional encryption methods like RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC), which are vulnerable to quantum attacks, HQC is based on error-correcting codes, offering strong protection against future quantum decryption methods.
NIST's final selection report highlights HQC for its security, computational efficiency, and scalability. These qualities make it suitable for widespread use in industries requiring robust encryption. Following multiple rounds of global cryptanalysis and peer review, HQC stood out as a reliable and secure solution. This achievement follows SandboxAQ's previous involvement with SPHINCS+, another PQC algorithm that NIST selected in 2022. With HQC now officially part of NIST's standards, SandboxAQ has contributed to two out of the five critical post-quantum protocols, further establishing its leadership in the cybersecurity space.
HQC's development began in the early 2000s, and by the 2010s, SandboxAQ demonstrated that it solved a 40-year-old challenge in code-based key exchanges. Today, HQC is one of just two protocols that protect the confidentiality of nearly all global communications. SandboxAQ's work with NIST reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quantum-safe cryptography.
According to Taher Elgamal, senior advisor at SandboxAQ, HQC provides strong protection against quantum decryption methods while maintaining efficiency for real-world applications. 'With both SPHINCS+ and HQC standardized by NIST, SandboxAQ is leading the way in developing PQC solutions for enterprises and governments,' Elgamal stated.
Carlos Aguilar Melchor, Chief Cybersecurity Scientist at SandboxAQ, emphasized the importance of HQC in securing the future of global communications. 'HQC is a key part of the transition to a quantum-safe world, and its inclusion in NIST's standards is a win for global security,' he said.
In addition to its contributions to cryptographic standards, SandboxAQ offers AQtive Guard, a cryptography management solution that provides real-time visibility and enhanced security. With its unique AI-driven approach, AQtive Guard helps organizations protect their systems against evolving quantum threats.
As quantum computing advances, SandboxAQ remains committed to driving innovation in post-quantum cybersecurity and helping organizations stay prepared for the future of encryption.
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