tech · quantum risk
Is Key management policy Quantum Proof? Cyber Program & PQC
Verdict
Key management policies must gain crypto-agility language: approved algorithms, deprecation timelines, hybrid exceptions, and inventory duties. A static RSA-2048 policy is not quantum-ready.
Overview
Written policy is how security programs scale decisions. Update cryptographic standards documents to include PQC transition and exception handling.
Program inventory focus: Policies that only list RSA/ECDSA freeze classical debt. Typical classical surfaces: Policy-defined allowed algorithms; Rotation and escrow rules. Cross-read /security/program and /assessment. Educational only—not compliance advice.
Cryptographic profile
- Signatures: Policy-defined allowed algorithms, Rotation and escrow rules
- Hash: Policy document control
- Public-key exposure: Policies that only list RSA/ECDSA freeze classical debt.
What breaks
- Policy last updated pre-NIST PQC
- No exception register
Mitigations
- Add algorithm lifecycle appendix
- Require inventory linkage for exceptions
- Annual review with architecture board
FAQ
Policy before pilots?
Draft policy can enable pilots; freeze only after learning.
One global policy?
Core standard plus sector addenda often works better.
Key concepts (technical dictionary)
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