The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) -part of the Department of Commerce -has launched a'lightweight cryptography initiative' aimed to develop cryptographic algorithm standards to protect the data created by small networked devices such as those in the Internet of Things (IoT). Within this initiative, the NIST will solicit, evaluate, and standardise lightweight cryptographic algorithms to ensure protection against cyber-attacks for so-called 'highly constrained devices. As part of the process, the institute has launched a call for assistance in developing requirements and guidelines for the envisioned cryptographic solutions. Before the middle of the year, NIST intends to launch a formal request for proposals for cryptographic algorithms, which will undergo review and will be considered for standardisation.