President Biden signed into legislation on December 21, 2022, promoting the use of quantum computing in government agency technology. 

 

“The Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act earlier this month progressed through the Senate after companion legislation passed the House in July. It is co-sponsored by Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.” (Fed Scoop). “The newly enacted legislation comes amid fears that significant leaps in quantum technology being made by countries hostile to the United States, including China, could allow existing forms of secure encryption to be cracked much more quickly.” 

 

The National Security Agency releases information on post-quantum cryptography. 

 

“Quantum key distribution utilizes the unique properties of quantum mechanical systems to generate and distribute cryptographic keying material using special purpose technology. Quantum cryptography uses the same physics principles and similar technology to communicate over a dedicated communications link. NSA continues to evaluate the usage of cryptography solutions to secure the transmission of data in National Security Systems. NSA does not recommend the usage of quantum key distribution and quantum cryptography for securing the transmission of data in National Security Systems (NSS) unless the limitations below are overcome.” (NSA). “NSA has announced its selections for quantum-resistant algorithms. Please see the Cybersecurity Advisory and FAQ for the Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA) Suite 2.0.” 

 

The legislation signed by Biden mentions specific departments that are to adopt the technology.  

 

“The law requires the Office of Management and Budget to prioritize federal agencies’ acquisition of and migration to IT systems with post-quantum cryptography. It mandates also that the White House create guidance for federal agencies to assess critical systems one year after the National Institute of Standards and Technology issues planned post-quantum cryptography standards.” (Fed Scoop).  

 

The document also requires a report to be sent to Congress with updates. This strategy for improvement was also utilized for the Small Business Administration. 

 

“It stipulates that OMB should send an annual report to Congress that includes a strategy for how to address post-quantum cryptography risks from across the government.” (Fed Scoop). “President Biden on Wednesday also signed into law the SBA Cyber Awareness Act, which requires the Small Business Administration to submit an annual report regarding the cybersecurity of the agency.” 

 

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Sources: 

Fed Scoop. https://www.fedscoop.com/biden-signs-quantum-computing-cybersecurity-act-into-law/ 

NSA. https://www.nsa.gov/Cybersecurity/Post-Quantum-Cybersecurity-Resources/