The group is recognized for exceptional technical innovation in leading a global effort to develop Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 202, the “SHA-3” hash function standard. Cryptographic hash functions are critical components of the technologies (e.g., digital signatures and message authentication) that secure global communications, international electronic commerce and more. Advances in cryptanalysis in 2004-2007 weakened the security of all widely used hash functions, broadly threatening cybersecurity. SHA-3 restores the foundation of cybersecurity for decades.