Vietnam’s Government Cipher Committee has released three draft national standards, HB-PQSign, ML-KEM and ML-DSA, to proactively defend against future quantum computing threats. This move signals a national commitment to transform 100% of its critical information systems to post-quantum cryptography by 2035.
Driving this effort is concern over the “Collect first, decrypt later” attack strategy, where encrypted data is stored for future decryption with more powerful quantum computers. “A nation that does not control any of the four aforementioned layers cannot guarantee its national security,” says Dr. Nguyen Quoc Toan, Director of the Institute of Cryptography Science and Technology, emphasizing the need to master core cryptographic technologies.
HB-PQSign, ML-KEM, and ML-DSA: Vietnam’s Draft Post-Quantum Standards
These standards represent a focused effort to move beyond currently used encryption methods vulnerable to attacks from quantum computers, with the nation aiming for complete transformation of critical systems by 2035. The development of HB-PQSign, a hash-based digital signature algorithm, alongside the ML-KEM key encapsulation mechanism and ML-DSA signature scheme, demonstrates a commitment to building a comprehensive post-quantum cryptographic ecosystem.
Technical documentation for these standards is publicly available on the portals of the Government Cipher Committee, the Ministry of National Defence and the National Committee for Standards, Metrology and Quality, soliciting feedback from experts and industry. Dr. Toan explains that these layers encompass the design and proof of algorithms, rigorous cryptanalysis to identify vulnerabilities, secure implementation and hardware manufacturing, and finally, standardization and verification processes. Vietnam’s approach prioritizes internal development of these capabilities, recognizing that core cryptographic technology cannot be readily acquired internationally due to its direct link to national security.
The Government Cipher Committee’s work has already yielded concrete results, including the design of the HB-PQSign algorithm and the Hybrid ML-KEM key encapsulation mechanism. Researchers have also focused on proving the security of these post-quantum algorithms within the QROM model, a standard framework for assessing cryptographic resilience. The team is actively controlling and developing new secure cryptographic parameter sets, tailoring the standards to Vietnam’s specific requirements.
This proactive stance reflects a broader initiative, formally titled “Encouraging the Socialization of Research, Development and Application of Civil Cryptography in the period 2026 – 2030, with orientation to 2035” and a parallel “Development of a Quantum-Resistant Cryptography System in the period 2026 – 2035”. Experts and scientists have lauded the release of these draft standards as a timely and practical step, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to technological adoption. The publication of these drafts signals a significant move towards securing Vietnam’s digital future and mitigating the risks posed by increasingly powerful computing technologies.
A nation that does not control any of the four aforementioned layers cannot guarantee its national security, because any dependence carries the risk of being manipulated and having confidential data compromised.
National Roadmap to 2035: Vietnam’s Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Transition
Vietnam’s plan to fully transition critical infrastructure to post-quantum cryptography by 2035 rests on a four-stage roadmap detailed by the Government Cipher Committee, prioritizing national control over core cryptographic technologies. The first milestone, completing the full promulgation of national technical standards for post-quantum cryptography algorithms, products, and security devices, is slated for 2027, establishing a firm foundation for the broader shift. This aggressive timeline reflects a proactive approach to mitigating risks posed by advancements in quantum computing and the potential for future decryption of currently encrypted data.
By 2030, Vietnam aims to complete the conversion and integration of post-quantum cryptography using a hybrid mechanism for critical national security information systems, blending existing and new technologies for enhanced protection. The national strategy defines post-quantum cryptography as the primary technological solution for widespread transformation, while reserving quantum key distribution technology for selectively secured critical communication networks.
This emphasis on self-reliance is driven by the understanding that reliance on foreign technology introduces vulnerabilities and potential control issues. The urgency behind this national effort stems from the threat of “Collect first, decrypt later” attacks, where adversaries gather encrypted data now with the intention of decrypting it once sufficiently powerful quantum computers become available. Major General Ho Van Huong, Deputy Head of the Government Cipher Committee, explained that Vietnam’s roadmap is built on the principles of “prudence, synchronization, and uninterrupted operation,” ensuring a smooth and secure transition.
By 2033, the addition of national standards encompassing both post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution will further solidify the nation’s defenses, preparing for a future where current encryption methods are no longer secure. The final phase, completing 100% conversion to quantum-resistant cryptography for critical national security information systems by 2035, will mark the culmination of this decade-long initiative and establish a robust, future-proof infrastructure.
Vietnam has determined a roadmap for transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography based on the principles of “prudence, synchronization, and uninterrupted operation.”
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