Senate legislation would direct federal agencies to fortify against quantum computing cyber threats
A bipartisan pair of senators are introducing legislation Thursday that would direct a White House office to develop a strategy for reckoning with the cybersecurity ramifications of quantum computers, and require agencies to begin pilot programs on quantum-safe encryption.
Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., say the National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act is meant to get ahead of rapidly advancing quantum computers that could bypass modern encryption standards and leave important data unprotected.
“It’s critical that the federal government be prepared for any threat posed by quantum computing technology, especially when it concerns our national security,” said Peters, the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “My bill would help keep Americans safe by ensuring we have a quantum cybersecurity migration strategy to stay ahead of our adversaries and protect Americans’ personal data.”
Blackburn added that “the National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act would ensure the federal government creates a road map to protect sensitive data and national security from emerging data security threats fueled by quantum computing.”
