Reflections from ICMC 2024 in San Jose & New NIST Standards in PQC

Last week, I had an absolute blast at ICMC 2024 in San Jose—an event where brilliant minds gathered to talk about the wild, ever-evolving world of post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Not only was it a fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle with like-minded industry folks, but it was also super exciting to see NIST drop the FIPS 203, 204, and 205 algorithms into the mix. It felt like a major milestone had been unlocked in the world of cryptography!

A Milestone Moment for Cryptography

With NIST standardizing these algorithms, the future just got a whole lot brighter. For vendors, it's like a green light to start building next-level hardware and software. And for end users, it's the perfect time to dig out that cryptographic asset inventory (if you haven't already). While some of us should have gotten on this earlier, there's no time like the present to get ahead of the game.

Highlights from ICMC 2024

• Real-World Use Cases: The conference showcased some seriously cool real-world applications of PQC. Seeing prototypes and pilot projects in action reminded me that these advancements aren’t just buzzwords—they’re actually shaping the future of data security.
• Cross-Industry Collaboration: What really made the event stand out was the vibrant mix of tech giants, startups, and academic experts. The energy in every conversation was contagious, and it was inspiring to witness such a diverse community coming together.
• Practical Advice for Implementation: Whether you're a vendor or an end user, one message was crystal clear: plan ahead. Vendors are now encouraged to innovate with the new standards, and everyone else—it's time to understand and manage your cryptographic assets.
• Fostering a Community of Experts: The networking was off the charts! Between mind-blowing keynotes and impromptu hallway chats, I met so many passionate people who are driving the future of PQC forward.

For those who missed the action or simply want to catch up, I highly recommend checking out the podcast "Root Causes" by Sectigo. It’s an awesome resource for staying in the loop with all the latest happenings in PQC.

Moving Forward

With the NIST algorithms now cemented as the new standard and the excitement in the PQC field reaching fever pitch, there's no better time to act. Whether you're a vendor crafting the next big secure solution or an end user ready to get your crypto assets in order, the momentum is electric. Embrace the change, stay curious, and let's build a more secure future together!

I’m heading home from ICMC 2024 brimming with ideas and energized by the chance to connect with some incredible people. If you’re as excited about the future of PQC as I am, drop me a line—we’ve got a lot to talk about!

Cheers,

Ludwig