Ascon-Based Lightweight Cryptography Standards for Constrained Devices | NIST Invites Public Comments on SP 800-232

The initial public draft of Special Publication (SP) 800-232, Ascon-Based Lightweight Cryptography Standards for Constrained Devices: Authenticated Encryption, Hash, and Extendable Output Functions, is now available for public comment.

This draft standard introduces a new Ascon-based family of symmetric-key cryptographic primitives that provides robust security, efficiency, and flexibility. With its compact state and range of cryptographic functions, it is ideal for resource-constrained environments, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, embedded systems, and low-power sensors. This standard includes multiple algorithms to meet a wide range of symmetric cryptographic needs, including the Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data (AEAD) scheme Ascon-AEAD128, the hash function Ascon-Hash256, and the Extendable Output Functions (XOFs) Ascon-XOF128 and Ascon-CXOF128.

The public comment period is open through February 7, 2025. See the publication details for a copy of the draft and instructions for submitting comments.

NOTE: A call for patent claims is included on page ii of this draft. For additional information, see the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) Patent Policy – Inclusion of Patents in ITL Publications.

NIST Cybersecurity and Privacy Program
Questions/Comments about this notice: sp800-232-comments@list.nist.gov
CSRC Website questions: csrc-inquiry@nist.gov