The end of one-size-fits-all cryptography as governments mandate varying standards even for the same algorithms

For decades, organizations have relied on widely adopted cryptographic protocols and algorithms to secure data and communications. However, the introduction of post-quantum secure algorithms marks the end of this straightforward era. Governments around the globe are embracing different post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. These variations exist even for the same core algorithms—leading to significant complexity for anyone needing to support multiple national or regional requirements.

Many of the world’s leading cybersecurity authorities—such as CNSA 2.0 (USA), NIST (USA), NCSC (UK), CCCS (Canada), BSI (Germany), NLNCSA (Netherlands), ANSSI (France), ASD (Australia)—recommend differing parameter sets for quantum-resistant key encapsulation mechanisms (KEMs) and signature algorithms. South Korea and China were working on standardizing their own algorithms, which are not the same algorithms as US NIST’s. Please refer to the article from Post Quantum Cryptography Coalition for a comparison ofvarying requirements.

Consequently, a vendor selling to global markets might be expected to implement three or more KEMs just for compliance, as well as manage multiple signature schemes (ML-DSA, SLH-DSA, LMS/XMSS, and so on). Each standard has nuances that can affect performance, key management, and interoperability. Further to that, vendors or platform owners need to prepare their platforms for the worst-case scenario concerning both performance and key size requirements.

This new environment creates both opportunities and challenges. On the plus side, multiple standards can drive innovation. On the downside, vendors must juggle diverging requirements—for instance, different AES key lengths, whether to use hybrid or pure PQ signatures, and whether to implement stateful or stateless signatures.

Being prepared to support multiple PQC options and track new regulatory changes will be critical for organizations looking to stay secure and compliant in this post-homogeneous cryptography world.