@djb

Why do they want non-hybrid KEMs and signatures, anyway? Seems like a bad idea to protect all of everything with nothing but unproven crypto.

@argv_minus_one I have an introductory chart https://blog.cr.yp.to/20260221-structure.html showing the arguments and counterarguments.

Most common argument from proponents: NSA is asking for non-hybrids, ergo support non-hybrids. This argument works for (1) companies chasing NSA money, (2) companies that take any excuse for extra options as a barrier to entry for competitors, and (3) people who think that "NSA Cybersecurity" isn't a conduit for https://www.eff.org/files/2014/04/09/20130905-guard-sigint_enabling.pdf but rather an independent pro-security agency.

@rsalz DJB sees a conspiracy where one may not exist ... but has a history of seeing one where it did very much in fact exist.

I think cryptographers erring on the side of extreme caution is a net benefit (and his points about unjustified and unexplained foot-dragging and resistance on Classic McEliece adoption have been well documented)

@darkuncle @rsalz

DJB has always been touchy and can really get into the weeds on some conspiracy theory. really smart guy but i tend to take his rants with a heavy grain of salt.

it's been this way since early usenet days.