Draft executive order would set deadlines for digital signature and key quantum encryption
Draft executive order would set deadlines for digital signature and key quantum encryption
Publish Date: 2026-05-20 15:43:00
Source Domain: www.nextgov.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The White House didn’t respond to a request for comment.
In February, Nextgov/FCW exclusively reported that the White House was developing a quantum-focused executive order…
