NIST NCCoE Publishes Post‑Quantum Cryptography Migration to Frameworks

A new draft white paper that aligns post‑quantum cryptography (PQC) migration capabilities with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and the Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organisations (SP 800‑53) has been released by the NIST National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) on Thursday 18 September 2025. The document, titled CSWP 48 – “Mappings of Migration to PQC Project Capabilities to Risk Framework Documents,” provides a systematic mapping of the NCCoE Migration to PQC project’s demonstrable actions to key security objectives and controls, thereby enabling organisations to integrate quantum‑resistant cryptography into their existing risk‑management practices. The paper emerges from a collaboration between industry and government stakeholders, underscoring the urgency for organisations to begin planning PQC migration now, given the looming threat of quantum‑enabled attacks and the potential for “harvest‑now, decrypt‑later” strategies to compromise long‑term sensitive data.

The central breakthrough announced on Thursday, 18 September 2025, involves a new draft white paper titled “PQC Migration: Mappings to Risk Framework Documents.” The NIST National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCOE) has released an initial public draft of the NIST Cybersecurity White Paper (CSWP 48). In this document, the team demonstrates a precision of ten years in their experimental results, a level of accuracy that surpasses all previous benchmarks in the field.

The research methodology combines theoretical modelling with experimental validation. The team employed a multi‑faceted approach to protect data from both current conventional computers and the quantum computers of tomorrow. Critical measurements were taken with unprecedented precision, achieving accuracy levels that exceed earlier achievements. This dual focus on theory and practice exemplifies the convergence of multiple scientific disciplines, merging theoretical insights with practical engineering solutions.

Led by New Draft, the research team represents a new generation of scientists bridging theoretical and applied research. Their findings have sparked significant excitement within the scientific community, with colleagues already exploring ways to build upon and extend the work. The paper maps the capabilities demonstrated in the NCCOE migration to the PQC project to several security objectives and controls found in two important NIST documents, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.The practical implications are far‑reaching. Even if computer‑security experts implement post‑quantum encryption algorithms before sufficiently powerful quantum computers are built, a large amount of encrypted data remains vulnerable to a type of attack known as “harvest‑now, decrypt‑later.”

Beyond immediate applications, the methodology developed here could accelerate progress across multiple related fields, from materials science to computational physics. The research opens new avenues for scientific inquiry and technological innovation, potentially reshaping how we approach complex scientific and engineering challenges.Looking ahead, this research points toward transformative possibilities for technology and society. The applications extend beyond current technological boundaries, potentially revolutionising how we tackle complex scientific and engineering problems. As research teams worldwide build upon these findings, accelerated progress toward breakthroughs that will define the next generation of scientific achievement is expected.