Navigating the Federal Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography
In September, the chapter convened government, industry and technology leaders for its first luncheon of the 2026-2027 year, "Navigating the Federal Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography." The program focused on the federal government's preparations for the quantum era, including emerging threats, migration timelines, cryptographic inventories, standards and the practical challenges of moving toward quantum-resistant security.
The program featured a keynote from Britta Hale of the Department of War, followed by an executive roundtable with Hale, Pat Manley of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Bill Newhouse of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The speakers brought perspectives from across government policy, cybersecurity, standards and implementation.
The conversation opened with a question that federal organizations can no longer afford to put off: Are our systems actually ready for the quantum era?
Hale emphasized that the transition to post-quantum cryptography is about far more than replacing algorithms. It will require changes across architecture, protocols, public key infrastructure, workforce planning and organizational culture, with federal milestones driving action toward 2030 and beyond.
The panel then explored some of the practical challenges behind that transition, including how organizations can identify where cryptography is being used across complex environments and determine which systems should be prioritized. Panelists emphasized the importance of developing a high-fidelity cryptographic inventory to inform migration, funding and risk decisions.
The discussion also introduced an evolving threat: "Trust Now, Forge Later." Beyond the familiar "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" scenario, panelists examined what compromised roots of trust could mean for digital signatures, device identity, firmware and code signing in a post-quantum environment.
Interoperability, standards and the role of industry were also central to the conversation, as government and technology providers work to translate emerging PQC standards into solutions that can operate across complex federal environments.
The conversation ultimately made clear that PQC is not simply a cybersecurity issue, it is a leadership, workforce and budgeting challenge. The panel even explored the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI), including its potential to strengthen cryptographic research while simultaneously accelerating new threats.
The luncheon offered attendees a look at the questions government and industry will be grappling with in the years ahead, from quantum-resistant algorithms and cryptographic inventories to trust, interoperability, AI and workforce readiness. With federal milestones approaching, the discussion reinforced the importance of beginning the transition now and highlighted the value of bringing the experts shaping that transition together in one room.
The chapter continues to host a range of programs throughout the year, including its luncheon series featuring senior defense, government and technology leaders. Organizations and individuals interested in upcoming events or sponsorship opportunities can find additional information through the AFCEA Washington DC Chapter website.
The program featured a keynote from Britta Hale of the Department of War, followed by an executive roundtable with Hale, Pat Manley of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Bill Newhouse of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The speakers brought perspectives from across government policy, cybersecurity, standards and implementation.
The conversation opened with a question that federal organizations can no longer afford to put off: Are our systems actually ready for the quantum era?
Hale emphasized that the transition to post-quantum cryptography is about far more than replacing algorithms. It will require changes across architecture, protocols, public key infrastructure, workforce planning and organizational culture, with federal milestones driving action toward 2030 and beyond.
The panel then explored some of the practical challenges behind that transition, including how organizations can identify where cryptography is being used across complex environments and determine which systems should be prioritized. Panelists emphasized the importance of developing a high-fidelity cryptographic inventory to inform migration, funding and risk decisions.
The discussion also introduced an evolving threat: "Trust Now, Forge Later." Beyond the familiar "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" scenario, panelists examined what compromised roots of trust could mean for digital signatures, device identity, firmware and code signing in a post-quantum environment.
Interoperability, standards and the role of industry were also central to the conversation, as government and technology providers work to translate emerging PQC standards into solutions that can operate across complex federal environments.
The conversation ultimately made clear that PQC is not simply a cybersecurity issue, it is a leadership, workforce and budgeting challenge. The panel even explored the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI), including its potential to strengthen cryptographic research while simultaneously accelerating new threats.
The luncheon offered attendees a look at the questions government and industry will be grappling with in the years ahead, from quantum-resistant algorithms and cryptographic inventories to trust, interoperability, AI and workforce readiness. With federal milestones approaching, the discussion reinforced the importance of beginning the transition now and highlighted the value of bringing the experts shaping that transition together in one room.
The chapter continues to host a range of programs throughout the year, including its luncheon series featuring senior defense, government and technology leaders. Organizations and individuals interested in upcoming events or sponsorship opportunities can find additional information through the AFCEA Washington DC Chapter website.