{
  "draft": "draft-ietf-pquip-pqc-engineers-14",
  "doc_id": "RFC9958",
  "title": "Post-Quantum Cryptography for Engineers",
  "authors": [
    "A. Banerjee",
    "T. Reddy.K",
    "D. Schoinianakis",
    "T. Hollebeek",
    "M. Ounsworth"
  ],
  "format": [
    "XML",
    "TEXT",
    "HTML",
    "PDF"
  ],
  "page_count": "42",
  "pub_status": "INFORMATIONAL",
  "status": "INFORMATIONAL",
  "source": "Post-Quantum Use In Protocols",
  "abstract": "The advent of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) would render state-of-the-art, traditional public key algorithms deployed today obsolete, as the mathematical assumptions underpinning their security would no longer hold. To address this, protocols and infrastructure must transition to post-quantum algorithms, which are designed to resist both traditional and quantum attacks. This document explains why engineers need to be aware of and understand post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and it details the impact of CRQCs on existing systems and the challenges involved in transitioning to post-quantum algorithms. Unlike previous cryptographic updates, this shift may require significant protocol redesign due to the unique properties of post-quantum algorithms.",
  "pub_date": "June 2026",
  "keywords": [
    "PQC"
  ],
  "obsoletes": [],
  "obsoleted_by": [],
  "updates": [],
  "updated_by": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "doi": "10.17487/RFC9958",
  "errata_url": "https://www.rfc-editor.org/errata/rfc9958"
}