"White House Begins to Push Federal Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration"

The US White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a new memo outlining the need for federal agencies to begin the transition to post-quantum cryptography before operational quantum computers become available. The OMB recommended preparatory measures, which include federal entities following President Joe Biden's earlier executive order to strengthen the US cyber defense posture. The new memo requires federal agencies to inventory their current cryptographic hardware and software systems, with an emphasis on high-value assets and high-impact systems that need additional cybersecurity protocols. Agency leadership will then be tasked with compiling this information into a report containing their summaries on higher-risk information assets and systems for the Office of the National Cyber Director and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to assist in budgeting, planning, and executing the transition from standard to effective post-quantum cryptography. According to OMB officials, the high-risk systems submitted by agencies will primarily deal with sensitive data that any quantum hacking attempts could exploit. Agencies have until May 4, 2023, to complete OMB's request. They will be tasked with designating a lead for collecting cryptographic system information within 30 days of the memo's release. OMB will continue to issue instructions for gathering system inventory. The transition to post-quantum cryptographic standards will be the most significant to date, and it will take several years. Within a year of the publication of this new memo, CISA will collaborate with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Security Agency (NSA) to develop new migration strategies. OMB recommended that as federal agencies inventory their information systems, they collaborate with software vendors to identify post-quantum cryptography testing opportunities within their networks, echoing the Biden administration's push for public-private sector collaboration. This article continues to discuss new OMB guidance to start the governmentwide effort to protect digital infrastructure from quantum attacks.

NextGov reports "White House Begins to Push Federal Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration"