Definition
Post-quantum cryptography comprises algorithms designed to resist attacks by quantum computers. NIST runs multi-round competitions to standardize PQC signatures and KEMs.
Key Points
- 2026-09-15: JDK 27 ships JEP 527 post-quantum hybrid TLS 1.3 key exchange — enterprise-ready PQC for harvest-now-decrypt-later threats (2026-09-15-java-27-released)
- 2026-09: apple-reference-image uses post-quantum signatures for verifiable photography (2026-09-16-apple-reference-image-verified-photography)
- hawk-signature was a NIST Additional Digital Signatures candidate weakened by Mythos cryptanalysis (Jul 2026)
- Timing: AI cryptanalysis arriving mid-PQC transition may strengthen scrutiny of candidates (matthew-green)
- Coordinated disclosure norms with nist-pqc matter as AI accelerates discovery