Post-Quantum Cryptography and Implications for System Acquisition
Abstract
The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is running an open standardization process to select the next generation of public-key cryptosystems. These new cryptosystems are designed to be resistant to attacks from large-scale quantum computers, if such systems can be built. NIST's schedule has the draft standards becoming available in 2022/2024, and has announced a small number of round three candidates that can be experimented with, so it is time for the acquisition community to start to develop an acquisition strategy for select current and future systems. Careful planning to ensure crypto agility in today's systems will save the US Government and our closest allies significant money, and it will also enable a more rapid transition to postquantum cryptography, ensuring the security of systems and communications. This paper provides pointers for a post-quantum framework for near-term and long-term acquisitions, and provides initial ideas to help acquisition professionals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1130457
Entities
People
- Alfred R. Schenker
- Eileen Wrubel
- Linda P. Gates
- Robert Cunningham
Organizations
- Carnegie Mellon University