Key Encapsulation Mechanism explained

NIST has just published the Initial Public Draft of SP 800-227, titled "Recommendations for Key-Encapsulation Mechanisms".

This document provides comprehensive guidance on Key-Encapsulation Mechanisms (KEMs), which are essential for securely establishing shared secret keys over public channels—a critical component in modern cryptographic systems. This is the next step after the release of FIPS 203, focusing more on practical usage.

The document:

• Describes the basic definitions, properties, and applications of KEMs.

• Provides recommendations for implementing and using KEMs securely.

• Opens the public comment period through March 7, 2025.

https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-227.ipd.pdf