Which set of algorithms corresponds to the first finalized NIST post-quantum cryptography standards?

• A. CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium and SPHINCS+
• B. DES and 3DES
• C. AES-256, SHA-3
• D. RSA-2048 and ECC

Answer: (A)

The key idea is understanding which algorithms NIST finalized for post-quantum cryptography and how they fit cryptographic roles after quantum attacks. The first group finalized includes CRYSTALS-Kyber for public-key encryption via a key encapsulation mechanism, CRYSTALS-Dilithium for digital signatures, and SPHINCS+ for hash-based digital signatures. Kyber is designed to securely establish shared keys in a quantum-resistant way and is efficient for real-world use. Dilithium uses lattice-based security to provide strong digital signatures with practical performance. SPHINCS+ offers a hash-based signature option that remains secure against quantum adversaries by relying on hash functions rather than traditional algebraic problems. Together, these cover the major needs: key agreement, signatures, and long-term signature security with a quantum threat model in mind. The other options don’t fit because DES and 3DES are outdated ciphers, not part of the PQC standard set; AES-256 and SHA-3 are modern symmetric and hash functions but not post-quantum public-key algorithm standards; RSA-2048 and ECC are traditional public-key systems that are vulnerable to quantum attacks and were not chosen as finalized PQC candidates.