The Seoul National University team, which proposed a distributed public-key cryptography technology capable of responding to the quantum computer environment, received the grand prize at the '2026 National Cryptography Competition' hosted by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The National Intelligence Service announced that it held the award ceremony for the National Cryptography Competition on the 11th at the El Tower in Yangjae, Seoul, together with the Korean Information Security Society and the Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Research Group.
A total of 180 teams participated in this year's competition. Papers submitted included 50 in the field of cryptographic theory, 98 in cryptographic applications, and 32 in quantum-resistant cryptography.
The review committee, composed of 47 academic experts, selected a total of 55 award-winning teams after conducting written reviews and in-depth interviews. The grand prize was awarded to the Seoul National University team, led by Hwang I-sol.
The Seoul National University team proposed 'distributed public-key cryptography technology,' in which cryptographic keys are managed collectively by multiple participants, and a certain number or more of participants must collaborate to decrypt ciphertext.
The proposal received high evaluation for its ability to ensure high security even in a quantum computer environment while also improving the efficiency of communications among participants.
The first prize was awarded to a total of five teams: two teams from Kookmin University in the field of cryptographic theory, two teams from Korea University in the field of cryptographic applications, and one team from Kookmin University in the field of quantum-resistant cryptography. Cash prizes of 10 million won and 3 million won were awarded for the grand prize and first prize, respectively.
Kim Chang-seop, Deputy Director No. 3 of the National Intelligence Service, stated, "The importance of cryptography is growing even greater with the advancement of quantum computer technology and the sophistication of AI," adding, "We will continue to support the acquisition of next-generation cryptographic capabilities in preparation for future security threats."
in TECH
