Ensuring Critical Infrastructure Security with Quantum-Resistant Cryptography

Summary of the Whitehouse Report on Post-Quantum Cryptography

Introduction

Federal agencies and critical infrastructure must urgently prepare for the next frontier in cybersecurity: quantum-resistant cryptographic systems (PQC). The growing capabilities of quantum computing pose a significant threat to traditional public-key cryptography, which is foundational to most digital security protocols. To safeguard sensitive information, agencies must first establish a thorough cryptographic inventory. This inventory is the baseline for deploying quantum-resistant measures effectively, as mandated by Executive Order 14028 on cybersecurity improvements. Adopting a Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM) is a key step in identifying vulnerabilities in existing cryptographic assets and bolstering federal defenses against quantum-driven threats.

Why Quantum-Resistant Cryptography is Essential for Federal Agencies and Critical Infrastructure

The Emerging Quantum Threat to Public-Key Cryptography

Advancements in quantum computing signal a fundamental shift in cybersecurity. While quantum computers promise breakthroughs in fields like healthcare and artificial intelligence, they also bring unprecedented risks. A cryptanalytically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) will have the capability to break today’s cryptographic systems, putting the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of sensitive data at risk. Public-key cryptography, critical to secure communication across government, the private sector, and critical infrastructure, could be made obsolete by a CRQC. This highlights the importance of implementing quantum-resistant public-key cryptographic systems.

Record-Now-Decrypt-Later Attacks: A Looming Threat

One of the most pressing concerns is the potential for “record-now-decrypt-later” attacks. In this scenario, an adversary intercepts and stores encrypted data, intending to decrypt it once quantum computing advances further. These attacks are not limited to internet data; even internal agency networks could be vulnerable, especially under a zero-trust model where data must be encrypted at every point. Though current encryption practices and rapid key rotation add layers of security, they are only temporary barriers against well-funded adversaries with quantum ambitions.

The Role of Executive Order 14028 in Cybersecurity

Executive Order 14028, “Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity,” has set new standards for cybersecurity resilience in federal agencies and critical infrastructure. The order emphasizes improving software supply chain integrity through Software and Hardware Bills of Materials (SBOM and HBOM) and has introduced the concept of a Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM). The CBOM offers agencies a clearer picture of their cryptographic assets, facilitating the migration to quantum-resistant measures that are robust enough to withstand CRQC threats.

The Foundation of PQC Migration: A Comprehensive Cryptographic Inventory

What is a Cryptographic Inventory?

A cryptographic inventory is a detailed catalog of cryptographic assets within an organization. This inventory enables agencies to pinpoint where cryptographic protocols are implemented, identify assets vulnerable to quantum threats, and plan the transition to PQC. Given the widespread use of public-key cryptography, agencies must adopt an exhaustive inventory process to assess the readiness of their systems against quantum threats.

Benefits of a Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM)

The Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM) is an essential tool that provides a high-level view of cryptographic assets across federal networks. By identifying vulnerable or outdated cryptographic protocols, CBOM helps agencies to detect weak cryptographic links that could be exploited. CBOM serves as an anchor in the PQC migration process, supporting compliance with mandates like Executive Order 14028 and aligning with best practices in cybersecurity.

Role of Automated and Manual Cryptographic Inventories

Maintaining an accurate cryptographic inventory requires both automated and manual processes. Automated tools simplify inventory tracking by scanning systems for cryptographic implementations, but they may lack the visibility to capture all cryptographic instances. As a result, agencies conduct annual manual inventories to catch any instances that automated tools miss, ensuring a complete and reliable cryptographic assessment.

Steps Toward Quantum-Resistant Infrastructure

Identifying Quantum-Vulnerable Systems and Prioritizing PQC Migration

Agencies must identify and prioritize critical systems for PQC migration to ensure that the most sensitive data and high-impact assets are protected. Key criteria include systems with high-value data, logical access controls using public-key infrastructure, and assets that must remain secure well into the 2030s. Prioritization ensures that resources are allocated to defend the most vulnerable cryptographic components.

Overcoming Interoperability Challenges in PQC Migration

Interoperability is a significant concern in PQC migration. If a system adopts PQC-based encryption but its counterpart does not, an encrypted connection cannot be established, potentially impacting operations. Agencies must collaborate to ensure cross-compatibility, carefully planning transitions to PQC with attention to both interoperability and fail-secure configurations that prevent data from being transmitted if encryption fails.

Early Detection of Non-Upgradeable Systems

To minimize disruption, agencies need to identify systems that cannot support PQC as early as possible. Some legacy systems may lack the capacity for PQC algorithms, making replacement essential. Modernizing these systems can be a time- and resource-intensive process but is necessary to ensure a smooth PQC migration.

SecureG’s Role in Bolstering Federal Cybersecurity with CBOM

SecureG’s Analytics Framework

SecureG has pioneered a certificate analytics framework that enhances cryptographic visibility across federal infrastructure. By scanning, cataloging, and assessing cryptographic assets, SecureG generates a comprehensive CBOM that helps agencies pinpoint vulnerabilities. This framework plays a critical role in strengthening federal cybersecurity and ensuring compliance with the standards outlined in Executive Order 14028.

How CBOM Mitigates Security Risks in Federal Infrastructure

CBOM allows agencies to take proactive measures against cybersecurity risks by identifying weak cryptography and expired certificates. This inventory-driven approach empowers agencies to stay ahead of vulnerabilities, preventing cyber threats that could compromise mission-critical communications or inject malicious code into essential systems.

Preparing for the Future of Quantum-Resistant Cryptography

NIST’s Role in Standardizing PQC Protocols

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) leads the global charge in PQC standardization. By fostering an open standard development process, NIST ensures that PQC algorithms are both secure and interoperable. Since 2016, NIST has meticulously reviewed candidate algorithms and conducted public assessments. As PQC standards are finalized, agencies will gain the tools they need to implement resilient cryptographic protocols across federal systems.

Continuous Assessment and Updating of Cryptographic Policies

The journey to quantum-resistant infrastructure is continuous, with ongoing assessment and policy updates needed to address emerging threats. Agencies must periodically update their cryptographic policies, even after full PQC migration, to respond to advancements in both quantum and classical computing. Such ongoing vigilance will be essential to maintain secure cryptographic protocols well into the future.

Conclusion

Securing federal systems and critical infrastructure in a quantum era is imperative. With advancing quantum computing capabilities, adversaries may soon possess the tools to bypass current cryptographic protections, endangering sensitive data and national security. Through comprehensive cryptographic inventories, agencies can assess and strengthen their cryptographic foundations to deploy quantum-resistant measures effectively. SecureG’s CBOM solution plays a critical role, offering a proactive approach to safeguarding cryptographic assets across federal networks. By prioritizing cryptographic resilience now, federal agencies can protect vital systems and ensure the integrity of national security for the future.

Learn more about SecureG’s cryptographic solutions and take the next step in quantum-resilient cybersecurity for federal systems.