Substantiation and proposals for the selection, improvement and standardization of the post-quantum electronic signature mechanism at the national and international levels

Abstract

At present and in the future, mathematical methods, mechanisms and algorithms of standardized asymmetric cryptotransformations such as electronic signature (ES) are and will be used for information cryptographic protection. Electronic signature is the main and essential component of cybersecurity, in terms of providing quality information security services such as integrity, irresistibility and authenticity of information and data processed. However, there are well-founded suspicions that in the post-quantum period the existing ES standards will be broken and compromised using classical and quantum cryptanalytic systems with appropriate mathematical, software and hardware-software. An analysis was performed, which confirms that quantum computers have already been developed, manufactured and used. It is believed that the actual state of development and use of powerful quantum computers and their mathematical and software is obviously strictly confidential and secure, and only publicly known data on quantum computers and their applications in cryptology are disclosed. A preliminary analysis has been carried out showing that in Ukraine there is an understanding of the existence of threats to cybersecurity and information security in the case of using available standardized ES in the transition and post-quantum periods. Currently, development and adoption of post-quantum ES standards is also one of the main issues in ensuring the necessary levels of security in the transition and post-quantum periods. The objective of this article is to substantiate, compare alternatives and develop proposals for the selection and standardization of post-quantum ES standards at the international and national levels, taking into account the results of the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the NIST US competition and national researches.