#CryptographyAPI

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Microsoft PQC ML-KEM, ML-DSA algorithms for windows & Linux

Microsoft has made significant progress in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with SymCrypt-OpenSSL version 1.9.0 for Linux and Windows Insiders (Canary Channel Build 27852 and higher). This modification allows customers to test PQC algorithms like ML-KEM and ML-DSA in actual operational situations. Linux and Windows Insiders Get Quantum-Resistant Cryptography.

Due to quantum computing, modern cryptography faces significant challenges. Microsoft is providing early access to PQC capabilities to help organisations evaluate the performance, interoperability, and integration of these novel algorithms with current security infrastructure. This pragmatic approach helps security teams identify challenges, refine implementation strategies, and ease the transition when industry standards evolve. Early adoption also helps prevent new vulnerabilities and protect private data from quantum threats.

Next-generation cryptography API update

Cryptography API: Next Generation (CNG) enhancements are crucial to this Windows edition. CryptoAPI will be superseded forever by CNG. It is extendable and cryptography-independent. Programmers designing programs that allow safe data production and sharing, especially across insecure channels like the Internet, use CNG. CNG developers should know C, C++, and Windows, though it's not required. Cryptography and security knowledge are also advised.

Developers designing CNG cryptographic algorithm or key storage providers must download Microsoft's Cryptographic Provider Development Kit. First to support CNG are Windows Server 2008 and Vista. The latest PQC upgrades use encrypted communications, CNG libraries, and certificates.

New Windows PQC Algorithms

Microsoft is providing ML-KEM and ML-DSA, two NIST-standardized algorithms, to Windows Insiders via CNG updates.

Developers can now try ML-KEM for public key encapsulation and key exchange. This helps prepare for the “harvest now, decrypt later” scenario, in which hackers store encrypted data now to use a quantum computer to decipher it tomorrow. Microsoft proposes a hybrid method that combines ML-KEM with RSA or ECDH for defence in depth throughout the transition, ideally with NIST security level 3 or higher.

By incorporating ML-DSA in CNG, developers can evaluate PQC algorithms for digital signature verification of identity, integrity, or authenticity. Microsoft recommends a hybrid approach, using ML-DSA alongside RSA or ECDSA throughout the transition.

Size and performance will affect these new algorithms, according to preliminary research. Customers should analyse these consequences on their environment and apps early.

Customers can test installing, importing, and exporting ML-DSA certificates to and from the certificate store and CNG and PQC updates using the Windows certificate API interface win crypt. PQ certificate chains and trust status can be verified.

PQC Linux Features

Microsoft is releasing PQC upgrades in the SymCrypt provider for OpenSSL 3 because Linux customers expect them. The provider allows Linux programmers to use OpenSSL's API surface, which uses SymCrypt cryptographic procedures.

The latest IETF internet draft recommends SymCrypt-OpenSSL 1.9.0 for TLS hybrid key exchange testing. This lets you prepare for “harvest now, decrypt later” risks early. This feature allows for a full study of how hybrid PQC algorithms affect handshake message length, TLS handshake delay, and connection efficiency. Such research are needed to understand PQC's actual trade-offs.

It is important to remember that SymCrypt-OpenSSL will be updated when standards change to ensure compliance and compatibility, and that Linux updates are based on draft specifications.

What Next?

PQC's Linux and Windows Insider integration must be described first.

Plans call for more features and improvements:

Upcoming efforts include adding SLH-DSA to SymCrypt, CNG, and SymCrypt-OpenSSL.

Add new algorithms to assure broad compatibility as PQC standards expand, improve security, and comply with international law.

Working with industry partners on X.509 standardisations for the IETF's LAMPS working group's broad use of ML-DSA algorithm, composite ML-DSA, SLH-DSA, ML-KEM, and LMS/XMSS. These efforts will involve PKI use cases and signature approaches for firmware and software signing.

TLS hybrid key exchange for Windows users is being implemented using the Windows TLS stack (Schannel).

Develop and standardise quantum-safe authentication methods for TLS and other IETF protocols including SLH-DSA, Composite ML-DSA, and pure ML-DSA with the IETF. SymCrypt for OpenSSL, Windows TLS stack (Schannel), and Linux Rust Wrapper will deliver standards as they are established.

Active Directory Certificate Services actively supports PQC. Customers setting up a Certification Authority (CA) can use ML-DSA-based CA certificates. PQC algorithms sign CA-issued CRLs for customers who enrol in end-entity certificates. We'll support all ADCS role services.

Supporting PQC certificates in Microsoft Intune's Certificate Connector lets endpoints and mobile devices sign up for quantum-safe credentials. This will unlock SCEP & PKCS #12 scenarios for on-premises CAs utilising ADCS.

TLS 1.3 is essential for PQC. Microsoft strongly advises customers to abandon older TLS protocols.

These new features will be available to Windows Insiders and development channels for real-world testing. Microsoft can make incremental modifications before release by getting feedback on usability, security, and compatibility. Microsoft will distribute dependable and compatible solutions to supported platforms using a flexible and adaptable approach after standards are finalised. Working with standards organisations and industry partners will ensure features fit global regulatory framework and ecosystem needs.

Future challenges and prospects

Due to their youth, PQC algorithms are an emerging field. This shows how important “Crypto Agility” is in building solutions that can use different algorithms or be modified when standards change.

Microsoft recommends hybrid PQ and crypto-agile solutions for PQC deployment. Composite certificates and TLS hybrid key exchange use PQ and RSA or ECDHE algorithms. Pure PQ implementations should increase as algorithms and standards improve.

Despite integration being a turning point, PQC algorithms' performance, interoperability with current systems, and acceptance remain issues.

Performance: PQC algorithms often require more processing power than standard algorithms. Its efficient implementation without affecting system performance is a big hurdle. Technology for hardware acceleration and optimisation is essential. Keccak is utilised in many PQ algorithms, and hardware acceleration is needed to boost its performance for PQC cryptography.

Larger key encapsulation and digital signatures, especially in hybrid mode, may increase TLS round-trip time. Although signatures cannot be compressed, IETF proposals are examining certificate compression and TLS key sharing prediction. These effects should be assessed on applications and surroundings.

Adoption and Compatibility: PQC requires upgrading and replacing cryptographic infrastructure. Developers, hardware manufacturers, and service providers must collaborate to ensure legacy system compatibility and broad acceptance. Education and awareness campaigns and government-mandated compliance deadlines will boost adoption.

In conclusion

PQC incorporation into Linux and Windows Insiders is a major quantum future preparation step. Microsoft is proactively fixing cryptographic security flaws to help create a digital future that uses quantum computing and reduces security risks. PQC is needed to protect data, communications, and digital infrastructure as quantum computing evolves. Cooperation and security are needed to build stronger systems.