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Draft executive order would set deadlines for digital signature and key quantum encryption
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Draft executive order would set deadlines for digital signature and key quantum encryption
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DOGE is about making government services easier to access, its head says
Anticipated executive order could give NSA a role in voluntary AI model testing
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Draft executive order would set deadlines for digital signature and key quantum encryption
Pentagon launches cyber apprenticeship program
DOGE is about making government services easier to access, its head says
Anticipated executive order could give NSA a role in voluntary AI model testing
Federal agencies are rushing into AI without cleaning house first
[SPONSORED] Claude Mythos advances autonomous exploit development: What agencies can do to prepare
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By
Alexandra Kelley,<br>Staff Correspondent, Nextgov/FCW
By
Alexandra Kelley
May 20, 2026
The developing order on post-quantum cryptography sets rigid deadlines for quantum-resistant cryptography updates, underscoring that contractors need to migrate to certain standards by 2030.
Quantum Computing
White House
Cyber Defense
The White House is preparing a new executive order aiming to spur federal agency migration to a post-quantum cryptographic standard under particular deadlines, as well as requiring covered contractors to take similar steps within the same window.<br>A person familiar with the draft order told Nextgov/FCW that the current version tasks the Office of Management and Budget with issuing guidance and deadlines for transitioning high-impact systems to encryption standards intended to withstand code-breaking powered by an eventual fully operational quantum computer. The person confirmed that all agencies must migrate their high-value assets, apart from national security systems.<br>The draft document would require all agencies to transition their digital signatures for high-impact systems and high-value assets to a PQC standard by Dec. 31, 2031, and to use post-quantum cryptography for key establishment by Dec. 31, 2030, according to sections viewed by Nextgov/FCW.<br>Digital signatures are software tools that authenticate user identity for secure access into digital environments. Key establishment is the process of securing data by generating a unique digital code, or a cryptographic key, for specific parties to provide them secure access. Key establishment and exchange allows the parties to then securely encrypt and decrypt data. Many current versions of both digital signatures and key encryption are expected to be overpowered by the decryption abilities of a future cryptographically-relevant quantum computer.<br>The draft order also gives “covered contractors” working with federal agencies a 2030 deadline to comply with the PQC standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the person familiar said, noting that the document is expected to be released sometime this week.<br>The White House didn't respond to a request for comment.<br>In February, Nextgov/FCW exclusively reported that the White House was developing a quantum-focused executive order focused on spurring U.S. leadership in quantum-powered systems.<br>That draft didn’t include PQC migration efforts, and the person familiar with the current draft’s development told Nextgov/FCW that elements included in the older draft — namely setting up a new initiative to leverage quantum computing for scientific discovery and...