The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently proposed to unify the block and key lengths of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to 256 bits to meet the encryption needs under big data processing and quantum computing threats.

Currently, AES uses a 128-bit block and supports key lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits. NIST states that increasing the block and key lengths will help enhance the ability to combat quantum computing, ensuring the security of encryption systems.

At the same time, other quantum-safe solutions are being tested, including post-quantum cryptography experiments completed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the French central bank. Although the threat of quantum computing may still take decades, experts are calling for preparedness for encryption systems.