Basics of Code-based Cryptography (Hamming metric)

Abstract. In July 2022, NIST announced the results of the 3rd Round of the Post-Quantum Standardization process. Here is a brief overview: some lattice-based and hash-based schemes will be standardized, while other isogeny-based and code-based cryptosystems moved to the 4th Round to be investigated further. Shortly after this, the sole isogeny-based scheme (SIKE) present in the 4th Round was broken, thus leaving only three code-based schemes to be analyzed. But wait... What is coding theory? What is code-based cryptography? When did it start? How does it work? Is it secure? This talk will answer these questions, and you do not need prior knowledge about post-quantum cryptography to attend. Basic knowledge in cryptography and linear algebra is enough. If you already know code-based cryptography, come at your own risk, as you will be super-bored.

Suggested reading: "NISTIR 8105: Report on Post-Quantum Cryptography" (2016).