Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council has recently launched a series of challenges aimed at evaluating the McEliece cryptosystem, an asymmetric encryption algorithm that uses randomization in the encryption process. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a global scientific research center and the applied research pillar of the council, will publish multiple McEliece-based cryptanalysis problems focused on theoretical key recovery algorithms, practical key recovery, and message recovery.
The McEliece cryptosystem is not as widely used as other asymmetric encryption schemes, but it is a fourth-round candidate of the current NIST PQC standardization effort for post-quantum secure schemes because it is immune to some types of attacks. TII said that by participating in the year-long challenges, individuals, students, scientists, cryptographers, researchers, and subject matter experts will be able to validate the security of the McEliece cryptosystem and identify possible weaknesses. The competition will focus on innovative approaches to test the McEliece cryptosystem as a leading candidate for post-quantum encryption.
“TII’s challenges aim to strengthen the understanding of cryptosystems that are used globally on a daily basis to protect the privacy of individuals and corporations and keep their conversations and data confidential,” the center said. The TII McEliece Challenges are open to anyone with an interest in cryptography, and winners are paid out of a prize pool of $75,000.
Preregistration for the challenges is currently open, and submission forms will be available online starting May 23. The challenges are part of TII’s efforts to promote and advance research into emerging technologies and technologies that can contribute to the technological development of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general.
The Technology Innovation Institute is a key player in the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, working on a range of cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and advanced materials. Its research efforts are aimed at advancing scientific knowledge, creating intellectual property, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
The UAE has been investing heavily in technology and innovation over the past few years, with the government’s Vision 2021 plan focusing on transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy. This has led to the creation of several innovation hubs and research centers across the country, with the aim of attracting top talent and fostering innovation-led economic growth.
Through initiatives like the TII McEliece Challenges, the UAE is seeking to position itself as a key player in emerging technologies and create a conducive environment for innovation and experimentation. The challenges will also help in building a community of experts and enthusiasts in the field of cryptography, further strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and research.