Definition ∞ Supersingular elliptic curves are a specific class of elliptic curves possessing unique mathematical properties. These curves are of particular interest in cryptography, especially within the field of post-quantum cryptography, due to the perceived difficulty of computing isogenies between them. The mathematical hardness of this problem forms the basis for constructing public-key cryptographic schemes that are believed to be resistant to attacks by quantum computers. Their distinct characteristics differentiate them from ordinary elliptic curves, which are used in current standard cryptography.
Context ∞ Supersingular elliptic curves are a central element in isogeny-based cryptography, a leading candidate for quantum-resistant algorithms. The ongoing NIST post-quantum cryptography standardization process includes schemes that rely on the computational hardness derived from these curves. Research continues to evaluate their security against new attack vectors and optimize their implementation for practical cryptographic applications, securing future digital communications.