PRESIDENT Trump signed Executive Order 14409 to enhance data protection against quantum computing threats, notably addressing the 'harvest now, decrypt later' strategy by cyber adversaries. The order assigns federal agencies, including OMB, NIST, and NSA, to create guidance for migrating to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Agencies must transition their high-value assets to PQC by the end of 2030 for key establishment and by 2031 for digital signatures.
The Department of Commerce will oversee a pilot project to demonstrate successful migration by 2027. Additionally, federal contractors are mandated to meet NIST PQC standards by 2030. Industry experts emphasize urgent compliance, warning that organizations lagging in cryptographic preparedness will face significant challenges.