PQC Implementation Checklist for Enterprise IT

PQC Implementation Checklist for Enterprise IT

A comprehensive guide to help IT and security teams implement post-quantum cryptography in enterprise environments.

Important: This checklist is designed to be adaptable to your organization's specific needs and infrastructure. Not all steps may apply to your environment.

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning

# Task Status
1.1 Conduct a comprehensive cryptographic inventory

Identify all systems, applications, and services that use cryptography.
1.2 Identify cryptographic algorithms in use

Document all cryptographic algorithms, key sizes, and protocols used across your organization.
1.3 Assess data lifespan requirements

Determine how long your data needs to remain confidential and identify long-term data (10+ years).
1.4 Identify quantum-vulnerable cryptography

Flag systems using RSA, ECC, DSA, DH, and other quantum-vulnerable algorithms.
1.5 Prioritize systems for migration

Create a risk-based prioritization matrix based on data sensitivity, lifespan, and system criticality.

Phase 2: Technical Preparation

# Task Status
2.1 Select appropriate PQC algorithms

Choose NIST-approved or standardized PQC algorithms appropriate for your use cases.
2.2 Establish a test environment

Create isolated test environments that mirror production for PQC testing.
2.3 Evaluate crypto libraries and tools

Assess cryptographic libraries for PQC support and evaluate tools for migration assistance.
2.4 Develop crypto-agility framework

Design systems to allow easy cryptographic algorithm updates without major code changes.
2.5 Test PQC algorithms in non-production

Implement and test PQC algorithms in isolated environments to evaluate performance and compatibility.

Phase 3: Implementation Strategy

# Task Status
3.1 Develop hybrid cryptographic approach

Implement both classical and post-quantum algorithms in parallel during transition.
3.2 Create migration roadmap

Develop a detailed timeline for migrating each system based on priority assessment.
3.3 Address key management challenges

Update key management systems to handle larger key sizes and new algorithm requirements.
3.4 Develop rollback procedures

Create contingency plans to revert to classical cryptography if implementation issues arise.
3.5 Establish performance benchmarks

Define acceptable performance metrics for PQC implementation to ensure system usability.

Phase 4: Deployment and Validation

# Task Status
4.1 Implement PQC in high-priority systems

Begin deployment with the most critical systems identified in your prioritization matrix.
4.2 Conduct security validation testing

Perform thorough security testing of PQC implementations to verify correct operation.
4.3 Monitor performance impacts

Continuously monitor system performance after PQC implementation and address any issues.
4.4 Update documentation and procedures

Revise all relevant documentation to reflect new cryptographic implementations.
4.5 Conduct user acceptance testing

Ensure that PQC implementation does not negatively impact user experience.

Phase 5: Ongoing Management

# Task Status
5.1 Establish ongoing monitoring

Implement continuous monitoring of PQC implementations for security and performance.
5.2 Stay current with PQC standards

Regularly review NIST and other standards bodies for updates to PQC recommendations.
5.3 Conduct regular security assessments

Perform periodic security reviews of PQC implementations to ensure continued effectiveness.
5.4 Train IT staff on PQC maintenance

Ensure IT and security teams are trained on maintaining and troubleshooting PQC implementations.
5.5 Plan for future algorithm transitions

Maintain crypto-agility to facilitate future algorithm updates as standards evolve.

Using This Checklist

This checklist is designed to be interactive. You can check off items as you complete them, and your progress will be saved in your browser's local storage.

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