Ranking of post-quantum cryptography digital signature schemes using evaluation based on distance from average solutions

Abstract

With the development of quantum computing technology, the current cryptographic systems face significant threats. Quantum algorithms, such as Shor’s algorithm, have demonstrated the capability to efficiently solve mathematical problems upon which traditional cryptographic protocols rely for security. This emphasizes the critical need for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) as a preemptive measure against the potential vulnerabilities posed by quantum computers. There are diverse signature schemes available, each exhibiting unique performance characteristics. The selection of an optimal scheme tailored to specific applications is necessary for ensuring both efficiency and security. To address this, a novel approach based on Evaluating Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) can be employed to rank the PQC algorithms based on the compromise score computed within the algorithm. In the pursuit of evaluating various schemes, signatures are generated using SPHINCS+-Haraka-128s-simple, SPHINCS+-Haraka-256f-simple, Supersingular Isogeny Key Encapsulation (SIKE), Falcon-1024 and Dilithium5. These schemes represent a spectrum of post quantum cryptographic techniques, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The performance metrics are systematically measured to provide a quantitative basis for comparison. Key aspects, including the efficiency of generating keys, signing processes, and verification procedures, are scrutinized to capture the schemes’ overall capabilities. The EDAS is then calculated for each metric using the weight computed by Eigenvector or Real Time Aggregation strategies, offering a nuanced perspective by accounting for the distance of each scheme’s performance from the average solution. By considering these findings, stakeholders can make informed decisions about which scheme aligns best with their particular security and efficiency requirements, thus contributing to a more robust and tailored digital signature implementation.