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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Advanced

Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Algorithm (SLH-DSA)

NIST post-quantum signature standard (FIPS 205) based on SPHINCS+, relying only on hash function security.

Definition

SLH-DSA has conservative security assumptions because it depends only on hash functions, not lattices. Its trade-offs are large signatures (about 8-50 KB) and slower signing. It is stateless, unlike LMS and XMSS, so there is no risk from state reuse.

Example

A firmware vendor uses SLH-DSA for root signing keys that must remain trustworthy for decades.

Exam tip

Hash-based = conservative but large; stateless = no state management.

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