Quantum computing is no longer a distant, theoretical threat. While large-scale, cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) are not yet operational, the countdown has started. In response, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has published a new, practical resource that moves post-quantum cryptography (PQC) from theory into procurement reality.
The guidance, released under Executive Order 14306, identifies product categories where post-quantum cryptography is already widely available, and others where vendors are expected to accelerate adoption. The message is clear: organizations that continue buying quantum-vulnerable technologies today may be locking in tomorrow’s security failures.
CISA’s new document does not name vendors or products. Instead, it does something arguably more powerful: it tells organizations which types of technologies should already support PQC and where buyers should start demanding it.
The guidance supports a broader global shift driven by NIST’s post-quantum standards, finalized after nearly a decade of research and testing. These standards aim to replace cryptographic algorithms that quantum computers could one day break with relative ease.
At its core, the guidance is about future-proofing trust ensuring encryption, authentication, and digital signatures remain secure well into the quantum era.
A quick refresher: what is post-quantum cryptography?
Post-quantum cryptography refers to cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers. Unlike traditional encryption, which relies on mathematical problems quantum machines could solve quickly, PQC is built on problems believed to remain hard even for quantum systems.
NIST has already standardized several PQC algorithms, including:
- ML-KEM for secure key establishment
- ML-DSA and SLH-DSA for digital signatures
- Hash-based signature schemes such as LMS and XMSS
These standards are now shaping how governments and industries approach long-term cybersecurity strategy.
Product categories where PQC is already widely available
According to CISA, organizations should only procure PQC-capable products in the following categories going forward:
- Cloud services (IaaS and PaaS)
- Collaboration software (chat and messaging platforms)
- Web software (browsers and web servers)
- Endpoint security technologies, including full-disk encryption and data-at-rest protection
While many of these products currently apply PQC mainly to key establishment rather than full digital signature workflows, CISA considers them mature enough to justify procurement mandates.
Technologies still transitioning to PQC
CISA also highlights a second group of product categories where PQC adoption is underway—but not yet universal. Vendors in these areas are strongly encouraged to implement PQC across all core and secondary functions, including updates and authentication mechanisms.
These include:
- Networking hardware and software (routers, firewalls, SDN, DNS)
- SaaS platforms
- Telecommunications hardware
- Operating systems, hypervisors, and containers
- Identity and access management (ICAM) software and hardware
- PKI and certificate authorities
- Enterprise security tools such as SIEM, IDS, and CDM platforms
- Endpoint security solutions like password managers and antivirus software
As these categories mature, CISA plans to move them into the “widely available” list.
Why this is a global issue not just a U.S. one
Although the guidance stems from a U.S. executive order and formally applies to federal agencies, its implications are global. Multinational enterprises, cloud providers, and software vendors serving international markets will inevitably align with these expectations.
For organizations operating in the Middle East and Africa, this is particularly relevant. Governments across the region are accelerating digital transformation, cloud adoption, and national cybersecurity strategies. Investing today in quantum-resilient technologies helps avoid costly migrations tomorrow—and strengthens digital trust across critical sectors.
Security leaders working with partners like Saintynet Cybersecurity (saintynet.com) are already beginning to integrate PQC readiness into long-term risk and compliance strategies.
What this means for CISOs, procurement teams, and security leaders
This is not just a cryptography update it’s a procurement and governance issue. Organizations that delay PQC adoption risk exposure to “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where adversaries steal encrypted data today and break it once quantum capabilities mature.
CISA’s message is subtle but firm: if PQC-capable options exist, there is no longer a justification for buying quantum-vulnerable alternatives.
10 recommended actions for security and IT teams
- Inventory cryptographic assets across applications, infrastructure, and third-party services.
- Map quantum-vulnerable algorithms currently in use, especially RSA and ECC.
- Update procurement policies to require PQC support where CISA says it is widely available.
- Engage vendors directly and ask for clear PQC roadmaps and timelines.
- Align with NIST standards when planning cryptographic transitions.
- Prioritize high-value and long-lived data, including government, financial, and healthcare records.
- Ensure software updates and signing mechanisms also adopt PQC not just encryption.
- Train security and architecture teams on PQC fundamentals through structured programs and awareness initiatives.
- Integrate PQC into enterprise risk management, not just technical controls.
- Monitor regulatory guidance globally, as more governments are expected to follow CISA’s lead.
Wider implications for the cybersecurity industry
This guidance signals a shift in how cybersecurity maturity is measured. In the near future, “quantum readiness” may become as fundamental as encryption itself. Vendors that delay PQC adoption risk being excluded from government and enterprise ecosystems altogether.
For technology buyers, the era of “we’ll fix it later” is ending. Quantum-resilient security must now be part of strategic planning, not an afterthought.
Conclusion
CISA’s new product category guidance is one of the clearest signals yet that the post-quantum transition has begun. Organizations that act early will gain resilience, trust, and strategic advantage. Those that wait may find themselves scrambling to replace deeply embedded technologies under pressure.
The quantum era may not be here yet but the decisions made today will define who is secure when it arrives.
For continued coverage on cryptography, emerging threats, and enterprise security strategy, explore related analysis, and stay informed as global cybersecurity standards continue to evolve.
