NSA Announces Post-Quantum Cryptography Measures to Safeguard National Security Systems Against Quantum Computing Threats

FORT MEADE, Md. - The National Security Agency (NSA) today announced new initiatives to safeguard National Security Systems (NSS) from the emerging threats posed by quantum computing. In line with Executive Order 14412, "Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks," NSA continues to enhance the cybersecurity posture of the Department of War (DOW) and the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to defend against advanced threats. Central to these efforts is the development of post-quantum cryptography resources to guide a large-scale transition to quantum-resistant algorithms.

As mandated by the Committee on National Security Systems Policy 15, starting in 2027, all new commercial NSS must be capable of supporting quantum-resistant algorithms. Legacy systems that cannot support quantum-resilient algorithms are to be phased out by 2030.

"NSA is at the forefront of the quantum-resistant algorithm transition," said Morgan Stern, Effort Lead for Quantum Resistance at NSA. "We are working closely with academia and industry to develop standards and guidelines, educate stakeholders across the national security enterprise, and integrate advanced algorithms to strengthen our digital defenses."

Adversaries are already employing "harvest now, decrypt later" strategies, anticipating future quantum decryption capabilities. Moreover, current architectures must be protected from the "trust now, exploit later" threats posed by quantum computers. By adopting quantum-resistant algorithms, organizations can:

• Protect Sensitive Data: Ensure that encrypted data remains secure, even if intercepted today.
• Secure Authentication: Maintain the integrity of authentication systems, preventing unauthorized access and safeguarding user identities.
• Safeguard Critical Systems: Protect systems that support national security personnel and operations.

"The quantum threat is an existential threat to the digital ecosystem, but we have the tools today to combat it," said Stern. "If the community works together, we can secure our networks. This is a big push in cryptographic practices, but ultimately we are only as strong as our weakest link."

NSA continues to develop comprehensive resources to assist DOW, NSS, and DIB stakeholders with the transition. NSA's official channels will keep stakeholders informed as new resources become available. Current cybersecurity resources include:

• Cybersecurity Collaboration Center DIB Services: Tools and support for the defense industrial base, including attack surface management, protective DNS, and access to DIB-specific NSA threat intelligence.
• Zero Trust Implementation Guidelines: Consumable, interactive access to Zero Trust cybersecurity resources for users at all enterprise levels.

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About the National Security Agency

The National Security Agency leads the U.S. Government in cryptology that encompasses both foreign signals intelligence (SIGINT) insights and cybersecurity products and services and provides the Nation decision advantage in competition, crisis, and conflict.

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