With the rapid development of quantum computing, traditional public-key cryptographic algorithms like RSA and ECC face the risk of being broken. To address this challenge, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) initiated the Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standardization project in 2016, aiming to find cryptographic algorithms that can ensure information security in the quantum computing era. After years of evaluation and testing, NIST officially announced three post-quantum cryptographic standards on August 13, 2024, including the Dilithium algorithm. This marks the significant role of Dilithium in future data protection and provides a clear direction for upgrading system security.
What is the Dilithium Algorithm?
Dilithium is a post-quantum digital signature algorithm based on lattice cryptography. It leverages difficult problems within lattice mathematics, such as Modular Lattice Learning with Errors (LWE) and Short Integer Solution (SIS), which remain challenging to solve even with quantum computers. Dilithium excels in both security and performance, making it a core technology for addressing quantum threats in the future.
FIPS 204 Standard: A New Security Benchmark for the Quantum Era
In 2024, NIST established Dilithium (renamed as ML-DSA: Modular Lattice Digital Signature Algorithm) as a standard for post-quantum digital signatures under the FIPS 204 standard. FIPS standards have significant influence on information security practices for the U.S. federal government and globally. The inclusion of Dilithium in this standard signifies its proven robustness against the security challenges posed by quantum computing environments.
Key Features of the Dilithium Algorithm
The mathematical difficulty of lattice problems ensures high levels of security,
even in the presence of quantum computing threats.
Its simple structure and optimized computation processes make it suitable
for various hardware and software environments, especially for resource-constrained devices.
Dilithium’s signatures and public keys are relatively compact,
reducing communication overhead while maintaining security.
It supports multiple security levels to meet different needs,
balancing performance and security effectively.
Parameter Sizes for Dilithium Algorithm
Dilithium is designed with multiple security levels to address different scenarios. The security levels and parameter sizes are as follows:

These parameter sizes balance security with efficiency, allowing Dilithium to maintain high security while keeping computational and communication overheads low.
Applications of Dilithium Algorithm
Due to its efficient security and flexibility, Dilithium is suitable for various data protection needs:
Network Security and Identity Authentication: Dilithium can be used to generate and verify digital signatures in digital identity authentication and online transactions, ensuring data integrity and non-repudiation.
Blockchain Technology: In blockchain networks, Dilithium’s quantum-resistant properties provide enhanced security for distributed ledgers and smart contracts.
Internet of Things (IoT) Devices: Dilithium’s efficiency makes it an ideal choice for IoT devices that face resource constraints and high-security requirements.
As quantum computing poses new security threats, it is crucial to prepare in advance to ensure the safety and reliability of the digital world. The Dilithium algorithm (ML-DSA), as a leading post-quantum digital signature solution, offers robust security, efficiency, and adaptability. Watchdata, with 30 years of expertise in data security, leverages its deep knowledge in cryptographic algorithms, digital security protection, and secure chip operating system technologies to provide comprehensive security solutions. We are committed to delivering advanced post-quantum algorithm support to build a robust digital security defense system for our clients.