Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography: Cryptographic Discovery - Approach, Architecture, and Security Characteristics of Public Key Application Discovery Tools

by National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence

In 2021, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published CSWP-15, Getting Ready for Post-Quantum Exploring Challenges Associated with Adopting and Using Post-Quantum Cryptographic Algorithms, and the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) initiated the Migration to Post Quantum Cryptography project to develop practices and demonstrate capabilities for easing migration from the current set of public-key cryptographic algorithms to replacement algorithms that are resistant to quantum-computer-based attacks.

The replacement algorithms were then identified and selected under a NIST post-quantum standards program initiated in 2016.

Subsequently, on May 4, 2022, the White House issued a National Security Memorandum (NSM) on “Promoting United States Leadership in Quantum Computing While Mitigating Risks to Vulnerable Cryptographic Systems.” This NSM reinforced the NCCoE’s project priority by directing NIST to establish a Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography Project “as the United States begins the multi-year process of migrating vulnerable computer systems to quantum-resistant cryptography.”

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2025