SPHINCS+ Digital Signature Algorithm Becomes Post-Quantum Cryptography Standard, NIST Releases FIPS 205 to Address Quantum-Era Security Challenges
SPHINCS+ is a post-quantum digital signature algorithm designed to address the potential threats posed by quantum computers. It is renowned for its unique ability to resist quantum attacks by using a hash-based signature structure, ensuring long-term security without relying on traditional number-theoretic assumptions. SPHINCS+ prioritizes security over speed or signature size, making it suitable for applications requiring high stability and long-term guarantees. Recently, it became part of the NIST standard FIPS-205 and is set to be adopted globally.
Ruben Niederhagen, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Information Science, was one of the original authors of SPHINCS+. He worked with the team in developing the algorithm and played an integral role in the NIST postquantum cryptography standardization process, balancing both efficiency and security during its implementation and optimization.