A Unified Hardware Design for the USA and German Post-Quantum Standards
The advent of quantum computing threatens the security of classical encryption methods used in the global communication infrastructure. Quantum algorithms can solve complex mathematical problems much faster than classical algorithms, putting cryptographic schemes such as RSA and elliptic curve cryptography at risk. This creates an urgent need to develop and deploy novel algorithms resistant to quantum attacks.
The project "A Unified Hardware Design for the USA and German Post-Quantum Standards", funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG), addresses this challenge. It is led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Elif Bilge Kavun from the Barkhausen Institut and Dr. Aydın Aysu from the North Carolina State University (NCSU), USA.
It targets the design of a unified hardware accelerator that can efficiently support different post-quantum key encapsulation (a cryptographic method for securely establishing a shared secret key between two parties) and signature protocols. This involves several complex tasks ranging from algorithmic innovations to system re-architecture, which requires custom hardware design and physical security enhancements.
Such a solution is needed because current standardization efforts differ internationally. In the US, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is leading the process, while in Germany, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is recommending specific algorithms for quantum-secure communication. For instance, BSI recommends the FrodoKEM algorithm for post-quantum key encapsulation, whereas NIST has selected CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm for the same purpose. These differences require hardware capable of supporting multiple standards.
This project is expected to facilitate the secure and efficient implementation of post-quantum cryptographic standards. It supports the transition to quantum-secure systems for applications requiring high-performance and security. At the same time, it addresses current security challenges while contributing to a more robust and adaptable cryptographic infrastructure for future communications systems.
The project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) – 543352068.
Project duration: 01.05.2025 - 29.02.2028
Contact person: Elif Bilge Kavun