MITRE Outlines Roadmap for Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration

The Post-Quantum Cryptography Coalition (PQCC), established by MITRE, has released a new roadmap to help organizations prepare for the shift to quantum-safe cryptography, SecurityWeek reports. The roadmap outlines a four-stage approach: preparation, baseline understanding, planning and execution, and monitoring and evaluation. It is designed to guide CIOs and CISOs through the complex process of transitioning to cryptographic standards that can withstand future quantum threats.

The guidance arrives amid growing concerns that quantum computing advances could eventually render today’s cryptographic systems obsolete. Although large-scale quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption may still be years or decades away, the potential for attackers to harvest encrypted data today and decrypt it in the future has prompted security leaders to act early.

PQCC’s roadmap emphasizes a flexible approach, recognizing that each organization’s path to migration will vary. Factors such as the value and longevity of sensitive data, the visibility of digital assets, and the feasibility of implementing new cryptographic solutions all influence how an organization should proceed. The document encourages organizations to begin by assessing their current cryptographic landscape and identifying high-risk assets.

The release follows earlier guidance from the U.S. government and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on quantum readiness and standardized post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. Taken together, these efforts signal a clear shift in focus—from awareness to action—as the cybersecurity community begins to prepare for a post-quantum future.