diff --git a/strobe/python/Strobe/Strobe.py b/strobe/python/Strobe/Strobe.py
index 5699ae3..7e2f169 100644
--- a/strobe/python/Strobe/Strobe.py
+++ b/strobe/python/Strobe/Strobe.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ class Strobe(object):
             self.initialized = False
             self.st = bytearray(F.nbytes)
             domain = bytearray([1,self.R,1,0,1,12*8]) \
-                   + bytearray("STROBEv1.0.2")
+                   + bytearray(b"STROBEv1.0.2")
             if doInit: self._duplex(domain, forceF=True)
     
             # cSHAKE separation is done.