Carahsoft Partners with Patero to Distribute PQC Inventory Tool to Federal Agencies
The Quantum Cryptography Conundrum: Carahsoft Partners with Patero to Distribute PQC Inventory Tool to Federal Agencies
As the world inches closer to the era of quantum computing, the threat of "harvest-now, decrypt-later" (HNDL) campaigns looms large over the digital landscape. In a bid to mitigate this risk, the U.S. and Canadian governments have mandated a transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) for federal agencies and critical infrastructure organizations. To facilitate this shift, Carahsoft Technology Corp., a leading U.S. government IT solutions provider, has partnered with Patero Inc. to distribute Patero's cryptographic inventory and risk assessment solution, PanoQoR™.
The PQC Imperative
The transition to PQC is driven by the need to protect against HNDL campaigns, where encrypted data is captured today for eventual decryption by future quantum computers. This threat is particularly concerning for federal agencies, which are required to inventory cryptographic systems vulnerable to quantum attacks. The process of identifying and mitigating these risks is essential to ensure the security and integrity of sensitive information.
Patero's PanoQoR: A Comprehensive Solution
Patero's PanoQoR platform addresses the bottleneck of cryptographic discovery and compliance by offering capabilities in three core areas:
Cryptographic Discovery & Inventory
PanoQoR identifies all instances of classical encryption across IT, OT (Operational Technology), and cloud ecosystems. This comprehensive inventory enables agencies to understand their current cryptographic landscape and identify areas that require attention.
Quantum Risk Scoring & Prioritization
PanoQoR assesses exposure to HNDL risks and regulatory deadlines, providing agencies with a clear understanding of their quantum risk posture. This information enables agencies to prioritize their efforts and focus on the most critical areas.
Compliance Reporting & Continuous Monitoring
PanoQoR enables agencies to produce auditable evidence of progress toward key milestones, such as NSA's CNSA 2.0 guidance and OMB M-23-02 requirements. This feature ensures that agencies can demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain a secure posture.
The Carahsoft Partnership
The agreement positions Carahsoft as Patero's Master Government Aggregator, making the solution available across the federal government, the defense industrial base, and critical infrastructure via major contracts like NASA SEWP V. This partnership comes as U.S. agencies face mandates to complete high-priority PQC migrations by 2030.
The Importance of Collaboration
Peter Bentley, COO of Patero, emphasized that agencies must know what encryption they have today before they can protect what matters tomorrow. He noted that Carahsoft is the ideal partner to scale this critical capability, enabling agencies to meet their PQC requirements and maintain a secure posture.
Practical Implications
The partnership between Carahsoft and Patero has significant implications for federal agencies and critical infrastructure organizations. By providing a comprehensive solution for cryptographic inventory and risk assessment, PanoQoR enables agencies to:
- Identify and mitigate HNDL risks
- Demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements
- Prioritize efforts and focus on critical areas
- Maintain a secure posture and protect sensitive information
Forward-Looking Thoughts
As the world continues to evolve and the threat of quantum computing grows, the need for effective PQC solutions will only increase. The partnership between Carahsoft and Patero is a significant step forward in addressing this challenge, and it will be interesting to see how this collaboration evolves in the coming years. One thing is certain, however: the transition to PQC is a critical imperative that requires the attention and effort of federal agencies, critical infrastructure organizations, and the private sector.
