GSA, Treasury kick off post-quantum initiatives to protect against cyber threats

The Trump administration still has four months to update the National Quantum Strategy, but that doesn’t mean agencies are waiting for that document, expected by late December, to get started.

The General Services Administration and the Treasury Department today both announced initiatives and changes to processes to prepare for the future of quantum cryptography to protect data and systems.

GSA says it’s updating the Federal Identity, Credential and Access Management (FICAM) architecture and developing a new testing process for the technology that helps secure federal buildings.

“[I]f current encryption is a complex lock that would take thousands of years to pick, quantum computers could potentially pick that same lock in hours or days. This creates an urgent need to develop new types of quantum-resistant encryption ‘locks’ before quantum computers become widely available,” wrote Dan Pomeroy, the deputy associate administrator for the Office of Technology Policy with the Office of Governmentwide Policy at GSA, in a blog post. “Transitioning to quantum-resistant security is a complex, multiyear process that requires careful coordination across government and a steady investment/funding strategy. GSA’s early action helps mitigate risks and supports a secure, orderly migration that protects both digital systems and physical facilities. By leading this transition, GSA ensures that federal employees can continue to work securely while protecting sensitive government information and facilities against emerging threats.”