NSA CNSA 2.0 (Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite)

What

In 2022, the National Security Agency updated its cryptographic requirements for systems protecting classified information. CNSA 2.0 acknowledges the quantum threat and sets aggressive timelines: systems must support quantum-resistant algorithms by 2025, begin transition to quantum-resistant protocols by 2030, and complete migration by 2035. For symmetric encryption, NSA requires AES-256. For key exchange, migrate from ECDH to quantum-resistant algorithms (NIST FIPS 203). For signatures, migrate from ECDSA to quantum-resistant alternatives (NIST FIPS 204). The guidance emphasizes hybrid approaches during transition - using both classical and post-quantum algorithms together. CNSA 2.0 also requires organizations to inventory cryptographic assets (create a CBOM), assess quantum vulnerability, and plan systematic migration. This isn't just for government - major enterprises follow NSA cryptographic guidance as best practice.

Why

When NSA says "quantum computers threaten national security," organizations listen. CNSA 2.0 makes quantum migration mandatory for defense contractors, government suppliers, and anyone handling classified data. The 2035 deadline seems far but migration takes years - inventory, plan, test, deploy, validate. Starting in 2025 means you need to be working on it now in 2024.

Impact

CNSA 2.0 provides a concrete roadmap for quantum migration. It's not "someday we'll need post-quantum crypto" - it's "here are the algorithms, here are the deadlines, here's how to do hybrid crypto during transition." Defense contractors must comply or lose contracts. Critical infrastructure providers follow it for best practices. It's the quantum security playbook from the organization that knows threats better than anyone.

Use Cases

Defense contractor cryptographic compliance, government supplier quantum readiness, critical infrastructure protection planning, classified system security upgrades, following federal cryptographic guidance, setting enterprise quantum migration timelines, board-level quantum risk presentations

Links

https://www.qnulabs.com/blog/ | https://www.qnulabs.com/industries

Tags

NSA CNSA 2.0, Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite, NSA quantum guidance, federal cryptographic requirements, quantum migration timeline, 2035 deadline, classified systems security, AES-256 requirement, hybrid cryptography, quantum readiness planning, defense contractor compliance