Title page 1

Contents 1

Highlights 2

Background 4

Quantum Computers Pose a Threat to Cryptography 5

Key Characteristics of a National Strategy 8

GAO Identified Options to Address Factors That Affect the Development of Quantum Computers 9

GAO Reported That Federal Agencies Have Not Fully Defined a Strategy for Addressing the Quantum Cyber Threat 11

No Single Federal Organization Is Responsible for the Strategy's Coordination 15

GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgments 17

Tables 10

Table 1. Policy Options to Help Address Factors That Affect Quantum Computer and Other Quantum Technology Development and Use, or to Enhance Benefits or Mitigate Drawbacks 10

Figures 5

Figure 1. Size of Quantum Computer Needed for Different Applications 5

Figure 2. A Simple Illustration of a Public-Key Cryptography Method Used to Protect Data 6

Figure 3. The Three Central Goals of the U.S. National Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Strategy 11

Figure 4. Central Goals Outlined in the Documents That Comprise the U.S. National Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Strategy 12