Samsung SDS announced on the 11th that the "AIMer" algorithm, developed in collaboration with KAIST, has been selected as the final algorithm in the "quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithm for electronic signatures" category of the national competition "KpqC."
Quantum-resistant cryptography (PQC) is a technology that can better protect user data against the possibility that quantum computers could undermine the security of existing encryption systems. This national competition was held to secure a Korean-style quantum-resistant cryptography in preparation for the era of quantum computers and was conducted in two categories: electronic signatures and key establishment.
Samsung SDS was responsible for the design and implementation of the encryption algorithm, while KAIST handled the security analysis. "AIMer" is a cryptographic algorithm based on a self-developed one-way function rather than mathematical problems like integer factorization. The one-way function method is known to be more secure in a quantum computing environment than mathematical problem-based methods, as it is impossible to restore data once encrypted.
"AIMer" is similar to FIPS205 (SLH-DSA), a standard quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithm announced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2024, which has strengths in security. However, "AIMer" has the advantage of being 6.35 times faster and having a 2.9 times smaller signature size, making it easier to apply to lightweight devices such as mobile and IoT devices.
The selected algorithm will be standardized in accordance with the national quantum-resistant cryptography transition master plan announced by the National Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Science and ICT, and Samsung SDS plans to promote standardization in line with domestic and international standards.
Samsung SDS has already pilot-tested quantum-resistant cryptography in the communication segment of the Samsung Cloud Platform (SCP) and plans to continue expanding it. Additionally, technology for the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography (S-CAPE) will also be provided on the Samsung Cloud Platform (SCP).
Kwon Young-jun, head of the Samsung SDS research institute (vice president), noted, "Being selected as the standard algorithm for the national quantum-resistant cryptography competition has reaffirmed Samsung SDS's security capabilities and technological prowess. Corporate cloud services, in particular, require a high level of security, and we will continue to apply quantum-resistant cryptography implementation and transition technologies to the Samsung Cloud Platform (SCP) to ensure even safer services."