UAE researchers help fix cryptographic validation tool
TII and NIST fix critical flaw in validation system for cryptographic algorithms
#UAE #cybersecurity - Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the global applied research centre of Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has identified and helped resolve a critical issue in a widely used validation tool operated by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). TII discovered inconsistencies while developing digital signature technology and reported the problem to NIST in December 2024. Following a collaborative investigation, NIST acknowledged the issue and released an updated validation tool in April 2025, strengthening encryption systems used globally across banking, messaging, and digital communications.
SO WHAT? - The discovery demonstrates not only TII’s growing capability in cryptography, but also the country’s growing influence in global computational research. The validation tool affected by the flaw is used by developers worldwide to test encryption algorithms, and even minor flaws can have significant consequences for global digital communications. In this case, the TII's cryptography team was able to contribute to standards that protect digital infrastructure worldwide.
Here are some key points about the NIST validation tool issue:
Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the global applied research centre of Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has proved to be instrumental in resolving a critical flaw in a widely used encryption technology validation tool operated by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
TII’s cryptography team discovered the validation issue while developing new digital signature features for secure communications applications.
The research team reported inconsistencies between their test results and expectations for NIST's Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program tool in December 2024.
NIST responded promptly to TII's report, leading to several months of collaborative investigation and communication between the US standards body and UAE researchers.
The US National Institute of Standards and Technology released an updated version of the validation tool in April 2025, resolving the critical issue.
The validation tool is used globally by developers to test cryptographic algorithms that protect banking systems, messaging applications, and digital communications infrastructure.
NIST's Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program provides essential testing for approved cryptographic algorithms, with validation being a prerequisite for cryptographic module certification worldwide.
TII operates as the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council, with 10 dedicated research centers including the Cryptography Research Centre (CRC).
ZOOM OUT - TII's Cryptography Research Centre (CRC) brings together theoretical and applied cryptographers to address threats facing digital societies, focusing on post-quantum cryptography research, sovereign cryptographic libraries, and quantum key distribution systems. The centre designs and implements cryptographic algorithms using machine learning to enhance research capabilities, with key areas including neuromorphic computing, confidential cloud encryption, and crypto integration in national critical infrastructure. CRC collaborates with industry partners to develop advanced solutions spanning classical and post-quantum cryptography whilst contributing to global standards that protect digital communications worldwide.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]