Ÿ The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) selected the Crystals-Kyber professional algorithm co-signed by NXP for the formulation of post-quantum cryptography standards

Ÿ The second algorithm document co-signed by NXP enters the fourth round for further analysis before possible standardization

Ÿ New public-key encryption standard designed for traditional computers will help protect data around the world from quantum computer attacks

NXP Semiconductors N.V. (Nasdaq: NXPI) today announced that a proprietary security algorithm co-signed by NXP security experts has been selected by NIST as 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 normalization. The work is expected to require securing 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 secure both conventional 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 period of time, breaking the current public key encryption system, when data, digital signatures and Equipment can be vulnerable. This poses significant security risks to online devices and data, including financial transactions, critical infrastructure, wireless remote upgrade mechanisms, and more.

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

Joppe Bos, Senior Principal Cryptography Specialist at NXP, said: "As the world becomes more connected and more data-oriented, we must ensure the security of data and devices, even against quantum computers. NIST advances new post-quantum standards , NXP will spare no effort to provide our deep knowledge in the field of security, use our algorithmic expertise to the best of our ability, and continue to strengthen our product security for the future of post-quantum technology. Our goal is to contribute to common standards so that our Customers are able to achieve long-term security in their own products.”

"Industry security experts from IBM, NXP, and Arm and their academic partners (ENS, RAB, CWI, and RUB) have collaborated to deliver an industry-leading algorithm proposal," said Michael Osborne, IBM Principal Research Scientist Manager for Fundamental Cryptography. The solution will help shape the way we think about encryption and security for decades to come. Not only is Kyber faster than current standards, it provides our customers with strong security guarantees for systems and data as we enter the quantum age provide protection."