UK's NCSC Launches Post-Quantum Cryptography Pilot to Defend Against Quantum Threat
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a crucial initiative to safeguard the nation's digital infrastructure from the looming threat of quantum computers. The Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Copilot, running until 31 March 2027, aims to transition from classical encryption to quantum-resistant algorithms, ensuring the security of businesses, government agencies, and critical infrastructure providers.
Quantum computers pose a significant risk to current secure digital communication, as they can potentially crack widely used encryption schemes like RSA and elliptic-curve. To tackle this, the NCSC recommends a three-phase approach: a discovery phase lasting 3-6 months, a planning phase of 6-12 months, and a rollout extending over 2-3 years.
Organisations are advised to draft a phased migration strategy, running classical and quantum-safe protocols in parallel for at least two years. The NCSC has certified Arqit Quantum as a cybersecurity consulting firm to assist in this transition, offering expert guidance to maintain regulatory compliance. The copilot's first phase requires a full discovery exercise, inventorying all cryptographic services and identifying vulnerable algorithms.
The PQC copilot is a national strategy to future-proof the UK's digital infrastructure against the quantum threat. By turning an abstract risk into a manageable, actionable plan, the NCSC is ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of cybersecurity in the quantum era. The copilot's success will depend on organisations' commitment to the transition process and their ability to adopt post-quantum cryptography algorithms such as Kyber or Dilithium.
