Securing Your Digital Future: A Roadmap to Quantum-Resistant Cryptography
The impending arrival of quantum computing has shed light on a crucial reality: cryptography is the backbone of modern security practices. Virtually every system implementing security relies on cryptography and public key infrastructures (PKIs) to establish digital trust. The looming threat? Cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) capable of breaking traditional asymmetric algorithms like RSA and ECC.
Enter post-quantum cryptography (PQC), the solution to this looming threat. With NIST's release of the first PQC draft standards in August 2023, the world took a significant step towards a quantum-safe future. The challenge now is for organizations to identify and manage their cryptographic assets in preparation for this shift.
Understanding the Crypto Landscape in the Quantum Era
Why Inventory Matters
The adoption of PQC requires organizations to take stock of their digital footprint by creating a comprehensive inventory of their cryptographic assets. U.S. federal agencies initiated this process, submitting lists of critical cryptographic systems by May 2023. However, the complexities involved, coupled with the discovery of unknown assets, highlight the challenges organizations face in this transition.
Steps to Kickstart Your Transition to PQC
Step 1: Inventory Your Cryptographic Assets
Initiating the transition to PQC begins with a meticulous inventory of certificates, algorithms, and cryptographic assets. Prioritizing assets based on criticality enables organizations to identify what needs upgrading or replacement to ensure security in the era of quantum computing. Essential questions during this process include:
- Which algorithms do your certificates currently use?
- Who issued the certificates?
- When do the certificates expire?
- Which domains do the certificates protect?
- Which keys sign your software?
The complexity of this process is evident, but the time to begin is now before quantum computing exposes vulnerabilities.
Step 2: Prioritize Long-Term Trust
Start by swapping out encryption algorithms that produce signatures requiring long-term trust. This includes roots of trust and firmware for devices with extended lifespans. Detailed inventories of software and devices, along with their cryptographic origins, are crucial to defending against the "harvest now, decrypt later" strategy employed by cybercriminals.
Step 3: Explore and Test PQC Algorithms Integration
While NIST works to standardize PQC algorithms, organizations can get ahead by exploring ways to incorporate them into cryptographic libraries and security software. Testing the implementation of these algorithms will require effort, but being proactive in this regard is key to a seamless transition.
Step 4: Become Crypto-Agile
Completing the inventory sets the stage for the next phase: achieving crypto-agility. This involves establishing asset visibility, deploying encryption technologies efficiently, and responding promptly to security issues. DigiCert®Trust Lifecycle Manager is a solution that aids in this transition, providing control over certificate inventory and facilitating the replacement of outdated crypto assets.
Transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography is a substantial undertaking, but by identifying and managing cryptographic assets now, organizations can lay the foundation for a secure and trusted digital future. The path to PQC readiness starts with a comprehensive inventory—a proactive step toward securing your organization in the quantum era.
