Kyber (ML-KEM) — Post-Quantum Cryptography

The CrypTool project now has an app explaining ML-KEM (NIST FIPS 203), the standardized version of Kyber. ML-KEM is a relatively new key-encapsulation mechanism (KEM) that is post-quantum secure. By using ML-KEM, two users can securely establish a shared key for use with other schemes.

It is known that traditional schemes like RSA and Diffie-Hellman can theoretically be broken efficiently by an attacker with a large general-purpose quantum computer. To prevent a worst-case scenario, post-quantum schemes such as ML-KEM are recommended. These new schemes are considered secure because no efficient (quantum) algorithm is currently known to solve the mathematical problems they are based on.

The new app combines step-by-step explanations with real data from ML-KEM running in the browser, plus a full graph of the scheme for an overview. To allow for flexible in-depth exploration the app has a modular design: The main tabs "Graph", "Live demo", and "Explanation" have sub-tabs for step-by-step processing, comparison to Diffie-Hellman, FO transform, KeyGen, Encap, Decap, and Kyber's design choices. All values can be exported. A guide provides an overview of the steps. The main overview "Graph" can be moved (pinned) into the sidebar (allowing efficient cross-referencing).

Development of this project was sponsored by Esslinger Consulting.