Post-Quantum Cryptography | Homeland Security
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Topics
  3. Cybersecurity
  4. Post-Quantum Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography

“The transition to post-quantum encryption algorithms is as much dependent on the development of such algorithms as it is on their adoption. While the former is already ongoing, planning for the latter remains in its infancy. We must prepare for it now to protect the confidentiality of data that already exists today and remains sensitive in the future.”
- U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, March 31, 2021

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has released a roadmap to help organizations protect their data and systems and to reduce risks  related to the advancement of quantum computing technology.

While quantum computing promises unprecedented speed and power in computing, it also poses new risks.  As this technology advances over the next decade, it is expected to break some encryption methods that are widely used to protect customer data, complete business transactions, and secure communications.  DHS’s new guidance will help organizations prepare for the transition to post-quantum cryptography by identifying, prioritizing, and protecting potentially vulnerable data, algorithms, protocols, and systems.

In March, Secretary Mayorkas outlined his vision for cybersecurity resilience and identified the transition to post-quantum encryption as a priority.  DHS also issued internal policy guidance to drive the Department’s own preparedness efforts and is conducting a macro-level analysis to inform the government’s action and ensure a smooth and equitable transition.

Last Updated: 10/04/2022
Was this page helpful?
This page was not helpful because the content