Towards Transition to Quantum Computing 

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While quantum computing is expected to offer unprecedented computing speed and power it also poses new risks, as global competition accelerates. 

As the technology advances, it is expected to break some encryption methods that are widely used to protect customer data, complete business transactions and secure communications. 

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

The new guidance is designed to help organizations prepare for the transition to post-quantum cryptography by identifying, prioritizing and protecting potentially vulnerable data, algorithms, protocols and systems.

Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of homeland security, said the new roadmap will help protect the US critical infrastructure and increase cybersecurity resilience across the country.   

In March, he 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, according to afcea.org.