Workshops Intelligence Technical Standards and National Intelligence

Intelligence Deep Dive Session

PQC Technical Standards for National Intelligence

NIST published FIPS 203 (ML-KEM), FIPS 204 (ML-DSA), and FIPS 205 (SLH-DSA) in 2024, with FIPS 206 (FN-DSA) expected in 2025. For intelligence organisations, these standards define the algorithms that will protect classified information for the next several decades. This session provides an implementation-focused analysis of each standard, the compliance timelines set by CNSA 2.0, and the specific challenges of deploying PQC across intelligence systems that span multiple classification levels and allied partnerships.

Half day (3 hours)

In person or online

Max 30 delegates

Commission This Workshop View Agenda

Proud to recommend our expert members

Workshop Description

The four NIST PQC standards serve different purposes in intelligence cryptographic infrastructure. ML-KEM (FIPS 203) provides key encapsulation for session establishment and data encryption key transport. ML-DSA (FIPS 204) provides digital signatures for authentication and integrity in most applications. SLH-DSA (FIPS 205) offers hash-based signatures as a conservative alternative for long-lived certificates and root CAs. FN-DSA (FIPS 206) provides compact signatures based on NTRU lattices for bandwidth-constrained applications.

For intelligence organisations, PQC standard implementation involves complications beyond standard enterprise deployment. Classification level boundaries require algorithm negotiation across different security domains. Five Eyes interoperability demands coordinated migration timing and shared implementation choices. National cryptographic agencies (NSA, NCSC, ANSSI, ASD, CSE) provide additional guidance that may diverge on implementation details. This session examines each standard through the lens of intelligence system requirements, providing practical implementation guidance for technology policy leads.

What participants cover

FIPS 203 (ML-KEM): parameter selection, performance benchmarks, and intelligence system integration
FIPS 204 (ML-DSA) and FIPS 205 (SLH-DSA): signature scheme selection for different intelligence use cases
FIPS 206 (FN-DSA): compact signatures for bandwidth-constrained intelligence communications
CNSA 2.0 compliance timelines: 2030 symmetric and 2035 asymmetric migration deadlines
National agency guidance comparison: NSA, NCSC, ANSSI, ASD, and CSE implementation recommendations
Five Eyes PQC interoperability: coordinating algorithm choices and migration timing across allies

Preliminary Agenda

Deep Dive Session structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your organisation's technical level and operational environment.

#	Session	Topics
1	PQC Standards Overview for Intelligence What each FIPS standard provides and why it matters	FIPS 203 (ML-KEM): key encapsulation mechanics, parameter sets (512/768/1024), and security levels FIPS 204 (ML-DSA) and FIPS 205 (SLH-DSA): signature scheme comparison for intelligence applications FIPS 206 (FN-DSA): compact lattice signatures for constrained intelligence communications
2	Implementation for Intelligence Systems Practical deployment across classification levels	Algorithm selection by use case: session keys, authentication, code signing, and long-lived certificates Cross-domain deployment: PQC algorithm negotiation across classification boundaries Performance analysis: encryption/decryption and signing/verification times on intelligence system hardware Hybrid deployment: maintaining classical algorithm compatibility during phased migration
Break, after 55 min
3	Compliance and Interoperability CNSA 2.0, national agencies, and Five Eyes coordination	CNSA 2.0 migration timelines: 2030 symmetric key requirement, 2035 asymmetric requirement National agency divergence: where NSA, NCSC, ANSSI, ASD, and CSE guidance differs on implementation Five Eyes interoperability: shared algorithm baseline, testing frameworks, and migration coordination Compliance validation: FIPS 140-3 certification status for PQC algorithm implementations
4	Discussion and Implementation Planning Developing your organisation's PQC standards roadmap	Migration sequencing: which intelligence systems to convert first based on HNDL exposure and criticality Standards monitoring: tracking FIPS updates, parameter set changes, and new algorithm candidates

Designed and Delivered By

Workshops are designed and delivered by QSECDEF in collaboration with sector specialists. All facilitators have direct experience in both quantum technologies and intelligence systems.

QSECDEF brings world-leading expertise in post-quantum cryptography, quantum computing strategy, and defence-grade security assessment. Our advisory membership spans 600+ organisations and 1,200+ professionals working at the intersection of quantum technologies and critical infrastructure security.

Intelligence workshops are co-delivered with sector specialists who bring direct operational experience in intelligence organisations. This ensures workshop content is grounded in regulatory, operational, and technical realities specific to the sector.

Commission This Workshop

Sessions are configured around your organisation's technical level, operational environment, and regulatory jurisdiction. Get in touch to discuss requirements and schedule a date.

Intelligence Workshops All Consulting Services All Workshops