NSA Says Quantum Key Distribution Are Currently Impractical for Protecting National Security Systems
The National Security Agency (NSA), which is responsible for the cybersecurity of National Security Systems, i.e., systems that transmit classified and/or otherwise sensitive data, publicly shared guidance on quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum cryptography (QC) concerning the securing NSS, according to a news story on the agency’s website.
According to the agency’s guidance: Due to the nature of these systems, NSS owners require especially robust assurance in their cryptographic solutions; some amount of uncertainty may be acceptable for other system owners, but not for NSS. QKD is a method for using the physics of quantum mechanics to create a shared secret between two parties. While it has great theoretical interest and has been the subject of many widely publicized demonstrations, it suffers from limitations and implementation challenges that make it impractical for use in NSS operational networks. For more details, please read NSA’s QKD and QC guidance.
NSA considers cryptography based upon mathematical algorithms to be a better alternative for securing NSS against the threat posed by future developments in quantum computing. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is in the late stages of creating standards for public use.
As these families of algorithms continue to evolve, NSA expects to select a single set of NIST standards for use by commercial products within NSS. NSA Cybersecurity added the agency remains committed to supporting efforts to develop, adopt, and deploy secure post-quantum cryptography, which is vital to the defense of our nation.
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Matt Swayne
With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Quantum Insider since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses.
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MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE
National Security Agency (NSA)
The National Security Agency is a national-level intelligence agency of the United States Department of Defense, under the authority of the Director of National Intelligence. NSA views quantum-resistant (or post-quantum) cryptography as a more cost effective and easily maintained solution than quantum key distribution. For all of these reasons, NSA does not support the usage of QKD or QC to protect communications in National Security Systems, and does not anticipate certifying or approving any QKD or QC security products for usage by NSS customers unless these limitations are overcome. The Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) at the National Security Agency is deeply engaged in Quantum Information Science (QIS) R&D, covering quantum computing, sensing, and communications, along with supporting technologies. Their programs include Quantum Computing in the Solid State (QC-5), Stable High Fidelity Trapped Ion Systems, and Quantum Characterization of Intermediate-Scale Systems. LPS collaborates with partners like the Army Research Office (ARO) to advance initiatives like QC-5, focusing on various aspects of qubit research. Through the Quantum Computing Fund (QCF), LPS facilitates access to advanced qubits for research groups. Established in 2020, the Laboratory for Quantum Computing (LQC) supports the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act, promoting collaboration across government, industry, and academia. LQC's "Super Semi Lab" is a dedicated facility for quantum materials and qubit research. Additionally, LPS conducts quantum sensing research to develop highly sensitive magnetometers for national security applications.
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National Institute of Standards and Technology
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a physical sciences laboratory and non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce.
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