United States President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at advancing the country’s quantum technology capabilities while preparing federal systems for emerging security threats posed by quantum computing.

The orders, 14411 and 14409, were issued on June 22 and focus on separate but related strategies to strengthen America’s position in quantum science and protect sensitive information from future cyber risks.

Quantum Innovation

Executive Order 14411 aims to expand the nation’s quantum information science and technology sector. The administration said the US must maintain its leadership in quantum computing, sensing, and networking as other countries increase their investments in these fields. The order calls for a government-wide strategy to support research, manufacturing, commercialization, and applications of quantum technologies while protecting sensitive technologies from foreign adversaries.

Under the directive, the administration will update the National Quantum Strategy within 180 days. Federal agencies will then be required to align their policies and programs with the revised strategy. The order also creates the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science initiative (QC-ADDS), which aims to develop a large-scale quantum computer capable of enabling scientific breakthroughs beyond the capabilities of traditional computing systems.

The Department of Energy will identify the technical requirements for the system within 90 days and examine private-sector partnership models for delivering at least one such machine. The computer would eventually be installed at a Department of Energy facility and, where possible, made accessible to the scientific community.

The order also directs agencies to expand quantum sensing and networking technologies. The Department of War must identify at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects that can be deployed by September 2028. Several agencies, including the Departments of Commerce and Energy, NASA, and the National Science Foundation, must prepare five-year plans covering quantum research, manufacturing, networking, and space applications.

Additional measures focus on strengthening domestic quantum supply chains, improving access to manufacturing resources, expanding workforce development programs, and coordinating with allied nations on technology protection and market access.

Countering Cryptographic Attacks

Executive Order 14409 addresses the cybersecurity risks posed by future large-scale quantum computers. The administration warned that adversaries could collect encrypted information today and decrypt it later once powerful quantum systems become available. To tackle this threat, federal agencies are required to transition to post-quantum cryptography standards approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Each federal agency must appoint a post-quantum cryptography migration lead within 30 days. Agencies will be required to transition high-value assets and high-impact systems to post-quantum encryption for key establishment by the end of 2030 and for digital signatures by the end of 2031.

The order also proposes new procurement requirements, requires support for critical infrastructure operators preparing for post-quantum migration, directs officials to engage foreign governments and industry groups on NIST-approved algorithms, and mandates annual reporting on the status of national security systems.

Source: CryptoPotato