diff --git a/ml-kem/README.md b/ml-kem/README.md index 5b87408..36a1f50 100644 --- a/ml-kem/README.md +++ b/ml-kem/README.md @@ -8,22 +8,23 @@ [![Project Chat][chat-image]][chat-link] Pure Rust implementation of the Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard -(formerly known as Kyber) as described in [FIPS 203]. +(formerly known as Kyber) as described in [FIPS 203] (final). [Documentation][docs-link] ## About -ML-KEM is a cutting-edge post-quantum secure key encapsulation mechanism (KEM). KEMs play a vital -role in modern cryptographic systems by securely exchanging keys between parties, ensuring -confidential communication over insecure channels. +ML-KEM is an algorithm which uses public-key cryptography to securely transfer a symmetric key +between two parties who want to establish encrypted communications with each other. It uses +algorithms which resist potential attacks by hypothetical future quantum computers which, +when such computers are sufficiently mature, pose a problem for the algorithms we typically use for +secure key establishment using public-key cryptography such as ECDH and RSA key encipherment. -Originally developed as Kyber, ML-KEM inherits the foundation of its predecessor while introducing -refinements and optimizations to enhance its security and efficiency. ML-KEM and Kyber are -intimately related, with ML-KEM representing a refined and evolved version of the original Kyber -algorithm. While Kyber pioneered lattice-based cryptography and provided a reliable framework for -secure key exchange, ML-KEM builds upon this foundation, incorporating advancements in -cryptographic research and addressing potential vulnerabilities. +Originally developed as [CRYSTALS-Kyber] (a.k.a. "Kyber"), ML-KEM is a refinement of the original +Kyber algorithm after it was selected for standardization by [NIST]'s [Post-Quantum Cryptography] +(PQC) competition. The Kyber algorithm received considerable feedback as part of the standardization +process and as such, ML-KEM includes many changes from the original Kyber. It can be though of as +the official successor of Kyber. In summary, ML-KEM stands at the forefront of post-quantum cryptography, offering enhanced security and efficiency in key encapsulation mechanisms to safeguard sensitive communications in an era where @@ -74,3 +75,6 @@ dual licensed as above, without any additional terms or conditions. [RustCrypto]: https://github.com/rustcrypto [FIPS 203]: https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/fips/203/final +[CRYSTALS-Kyber]: https://pq-crystals.org/kyber/ +[NIST]: https://www.nist.gov/cryptography +[Post-Quantum Cryptography]: https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/post-quantum-cryptography