pqcstatus
Algorithm

HQC: quantum risk, deadlines and replacements

Quantum-resistant

Code-based KEM selected by NIST in March 2025 as a backup to ML-KEM; standard (FIPS 207) not yet published.

At a glance

Quantum riskQuantum-resistant
Used forKey establishment
Post-quantum algorithmYes

Sources

  1. NIST Selects HQC as Fifth Algorithm for Post-Quantum Encryption · NIST (guidance)

Catalog version 2026-09-28. Every position links to its primary source; draft documents are labelled as such.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HQC quantum-safe?

Yes. No known quantum attack breaks HQC at the recommended parameter sizes.