The Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standardization process is
continuing into a fourth round with the following key-encapsulation mechanisms
(KEMs) still under consideration: BIKE, Classic McEliece, HQC, and SIKE.
However, there are no remaining digital signature candidates under
consideration. As such, NIST
is requesting additional digital signature proposals to be considered in the
PQC standardization process.
NIST is primarily interested in additional general-purpose
signature schemes that are not based on structured lattices. For certain
applications, such as certificate transparency, NIST may also be interested in
signature schemes that have short signatures and fast verification. NIST is
open to receiving additional submissions based on structured lattices but is
intent on diversifying the post-quantum signature standards. As such, any
structured lattice-based signature proposal needs to significantly outperform
CRYSTALS-Dilithium and FALCON in relevant applications and ensure substantial
security properties in order to be considered for standardization.
Complete instructions on how to submit a candidate package,
including the minimal acceptability requirements, are posted on the PQC: Digital Signature Schemes project page.
The finalized evaluation criteria that will be used to assess the submissions
are also posted at the same website. Submission
packages must be received by NIST by June 1, 2023.