Post-Quantum Guidance for TLS.
draft-farrell-tls-pqg-00

TLS                                                           S. Farrell
Internet-Draft                                    Trinity College Dublin
Intended status: Best Current Practice                  15 December 2024
Expires: 18 June 2025

                     Post-Quantum Guidance for TLS.
                        draft-farrell-tls-pqg-00

Abstract

   We provide guidance on the use of post-quantum algorithms for those
   deploying applications using TLS.

Status of This Memo

   This Internet-Draft is submitted in full conformance with the
   provisions of BCP 78 and BCP 79.

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   This Internet-Draft will expire on 18 June 2025.

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Table of Contents

   1.  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
   2.  Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
   3.  Start using hybrid KEMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
   4.  Do nothing for now on signatures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
   5.  Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
   6.  Acknowledgements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
   7.  IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
   8.  Normative References  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
   Author's Address  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3

1.  Introduction

   [[This is not an "official" TLS WG work item, but is being proposed
   as such.  The source for this is in https://github.com/sftcd/pqg/ PRs
   are welcome there too.]]

   Due to concerns about the possible future existence of a
   cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC), additional TLS
   [RFC8446] codepoints have been defined for algorithms that are hoped
   to remain secure even in the face of a CRQC.  Adding code-points for
   to the relevant IANA registries with the RECOMMENDED column set to
   'n' doesn't require IETF consensus.  This means that anyone can
   register code-points for their favoured approach.  In particular
   various government entities in various countries have made
   contradictory recommendations in this space, leading to potential
   confusion for those deploying applilcations using TLS.

   This document sets out a deliberately consise sets of recommendations
   for typical uses of post-quantum algorithms.  This assumes the reader
   is familiar with the topic.

2.  Terminology

   The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
   "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "NOT RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and
   "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in BCP
   14 [RFC2119] [RFC8174] when, and only when, they appear in all
   capitals, as shown here.

3.  Start using hybrid KEMs

   The main recommendation is to move as soon as practical to use of
   hybrid KEMs, such as X25519MLKEM768.

   Once it becomes practical to do the above, we do not recommend use of
   non-hybrid groups.

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4.  Do nothing for now on signatures

   We recommend taking no action at all at this point in time in
   relation to signatures.

5.  Security Considerations

   TBD

6.  Acknowledgements

   TBD

7.  IANA Considerations

   TBD, but probably not needed.

8.  Normative References

   [RFC2119]  Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate
              Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119,
              DOI 10.17487/RFC2119, March 1997,
              <https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc2119>.

   [RFC8174]  Leiba, B., "Ambiguity of Uppercase vs Lowercase in RFC
              2119 Key Words", BCP 14, RFC 8174, DOI 10.17487/RFC8174,
              May 2017, <https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc8174>.

   [RFC8446]  Rescorla, E., "The Transport Layer Security (TLS) Protocol
              Version 1.3", RFC 8446, DOI 10.17487/RFC8446, August 2018,
              <https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc8446>.

Author's Address

   Stephen Farrell
   Trinity College Dublin
   Dublin
   2
   Ireland
   Phone: +353-1-896-2354
   Email: stephen.farrell@cs.tcd.ie

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