On May 4, 2022, President Biden signed National Security Memorandum 10 (NSM-10), titled “Promoting United States Leadership in Quantum Computing While Mitigating Risks to Vulnerable Cryptographic Systems.” The memorandum directed agencies to begin migrating vulnerable federal information systems to quantum-resistant cryptography.
NSM-10 required agency heads involved with quantum technologies to develop technology protection plans by end of 2022. It directed the NSA’s National Manager to issue quantum-resistant cryptography migration guidance for National Security Systems within one year. Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies were instructed to conduct cryptographic system inventories and prepare migration plans once NIST published post-quantum standards.
An accompanying Executive Order 14073 elevated the NQIAC to a Presidential advisory committee on the same date.