NIST selects the OMAC as new block cipher mode

[Mads Rasmussen]

http://csrc.nist.gov

June 6, 2003 -- The National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) has been developing a block cipher mode of operation for message
authentication. From the authentication modes that were submitted to
NIST for consideration, NIST initially selected the RMAC algorithm and
specified it in the draft NIST Special Publication 800-38B. In response
to public comments on the draft, NIST posted a consultation paper that
proposed a revision of the draft that would focus on the EMAC
construction that underlies RMAC. In response to further public input,
NIST has decided to replace RMAC and EMAC altogether with the OMAC
variation of the XCBC algorithm.
 
The technical characteristics of RMAC, EMAC, and XCBC are summarized in
the consultation paper; the rationale for the current decision is
explained in a supplemental paper. These two papers, and other
information on the modes development effort, are available through the
modes home page, http://www.nist.gov/modes/. 
 
NIST welcomes public comments on the OMAC variation of the XCBC
algorithm in advance of the formal public comment period that will
follow posting of the revised draft. Comments may be submitted to
EncryptionModes at nist.gov by July 3, 2003.
 
--
Mads

---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cryptography Mailing List
Unsubscribe by sending "unsubscribe cryptography" to majordomo at metzdowd.com