Simplifying PQC Migration in the Post-Quantum Era

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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released [source] the first three standards for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC):

ML-KEM (FIPS-203): A new key encapsulation mechanism.
ML-DSA (FIPS-204): A digital signature algorithm for enhanced quantum resistance.
SLH-DSA (FIPS-205): Another digital signature algorithm tailored for high-security applications.

While these standards mark the beginning of a new era, adopting them across enterprise systems is a complex and multi-step process. Transitioning from classical to quantum-resistant cryptography is neither immediate nor straightforward, requiring organizations to assess their cryptographic security posture, identify cryptographic dependencies, and prioritize updates.Let’s explore the challenges of integrating quantum-safe algorithms into the software supply chain and demonstrate how Fortanix Key Insight can streamline this transition.

The Software Supply Chain: A Foundation for Security

Modern software development relies heavily on interconnected tools, libraries, and systems collectively known as the software supply chain. This chain encompasses:

Source code and libraries (including open-source components)
Third-party tools and platforms
Hardware and IT infrastructure
Data storage and distribution systems

The complexity of these dependencies is a double-edged sword. While they accelerate development, they also introduce potential vulnerabilities. For instance, the Log4j vulnerability in December 2021 revealed how a single component’s security flaw could ripple through the global software ecosystem, exposing systems to attacks.

To safeguard the supply chain, organizations increasingly rely on a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) — a detailed inventory of all components within a software product. The SBOM enables developers and IT teams to identify risks, mitigate vulnerabilities, and maintain compliance.

Introducing the Cryptography Bill of Materials (CBOM)

While the SBOM provides visibility into software components, organizations need insight into their cryptographic landscape to transition effectively to PQC. Enter the Cryptography Bill of Materials (CBOM) — an extension of the SBOM designed to catalog cryptographic assets.

A CBOM includes:

Cryptographic algorithms (classical and post-quantum)
Dependencies and relationships between cryptographic components
Key types, sizes, and formats
Certificates and related materials
Quantum Security Levels of cryptographic assets

With a CBOM, organizations can quickly identify where classical algorithms are used, assess quantum vulnerability, and prioritize updates to quantum-safe alternatives.

Challenges in Migrating to Post-Quantum Cryptography

The path to PQC adoption involves several hurdles:

Delayed Ecosystem Readiness: While NIST has standardized algorithms, the private sector needs time to integrate these into protocols, libraries, and products.
Third-Party Dependencies: Many enterprise systems rely on third-party products, requiring collaboration to ensure a unified quantum-safe approach.
Complex Supply Chains: Identifying cryptographic dependencies across the software supply chain is challenging without detailed insights.
Lack of Visibility: Organizations without SBOMs or CBOMs face an uphill battle in discovering and managing their cryptographic assets.

The Role of Fortanix Key Insight in PQC Transition

Fortanix Key Insight is a powerful solution to reveal details of your cryptographic security posture across enterprise silos. Its automated discovery and integrated key management solution simplify the journey to quantum safety. It provides:

1. Cloud & On-Premises Discovery:

Scans enterprise systems to identify cryptographic assets across cloud/on-premises environments
Catalogs classical and quantum-ready cryptographic algorithms for visibility.

2. Risk Prioritization:

Assigns a Quantum Security Level (QSL) to cryptographic components.
Helps organizations prioritize updates based on risk and criticality.

3. Remediation with DSM:

Integrates with DSM to ensure a clear pathway to remediate the findings with a centralized management solution.
Supports both cloud and on-premises environments.

Why tools like Fortanix Key Insight are Critical

Transitioning to PQC is not just about adopting new algorithms. It requires a strategic, system-wide approach to ensure every layer of the software supply chain is quantum-safe. Tools like Fortanix Key Insight enable organizations to:

Gain visibility into cryptographic dependencies.
Mitigate vulnerabilities promptly.
Build resilience against quantum threats.

With the rise of quantum computing, understanding and managing cryptographic components within your ecosystem is no longer optional—it’s essential. Organizations with CBOM tools like Fortanix Key Insight are better positioned to navigate this paradigm shift.

Conclusion: Prepare for the Quantum Future Today

As NIST’s post-quantum standards usher in a new chapter in cryptography, organizations must proactively adapt to safeguard their systems. Preparation is key in creating CBOMs or leveraging tools like Fortanix Key Insight.

With Fortanix Key Insight, enterprises gain the visibility and tools needed to manage cryptographic transitions effectively, ensuring a secure and quantum-ready future.