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Draft Language Signals More Transparent Nist


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The new guidance on cryptographic standards by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology emphasizes transparency, openness, technical merit, balance, and integrity.

Credit: Federal Computer Week

The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released new guidance on cryptographic standards that emphasizes transparency, openness, technical merit, balance, and integrity.

The draft guidance comes in the wake of fallout over revelations the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) subverted NIST-adopted computer encryption standards. NIST officials hope to win back the trust of the cybersecurity community and the general public through such efforts.

The draft guidance calls for access to essential information on standards-related activities and venues for all stakeholders in the private sector, academia, and the public, with a commitment from NIST to be transparent during the development and documentation of cryptographic standards. Moreover, it makes clear NIST will continue to work with NSA due to its expertise in cryptography and its statutory obligations to consult with the agency on standards.

NIST will accept public feedback on the draft guidance until April 18.

From Federal Computer Week
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Abstracts Copyright © 2014 Information Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA


 

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