Quantum Readiness for Law Enforcement Secure Communications

Challenge

A national law enforcement agency realized that advances in quantum computing could jeopardize its sensitive data, communications, and digital evidence. The agency relies on encryption for everything from radio communications and surveillance data to case files and witness information. Leadership was concerned that a future quantum-equipped adversary might decrypt intercepted communications or access confidential records, undermining investigations and public safety. However, the agency had limited awareness of where quantum-vulnerable cryptography was being used and no plan in place to address this emerging risk. They needed help to assess their exposure and develop a proactive strategy to ensure their policing and intelligence operations remain secure in the quantum era.

What We Did

We conducted a comprehensive quantum readiness assessment across the agency’s IT and communication infrastructure. This involved inventorying all uses of cryptography – from encrypted databases and VPNs to the secure radios and body-worn cameras officers use in the field. We identified which systems were using algorithms like RSA or ECC (vulnerable to future quantum attacks) and which were most critical to protect (such as investigative databases and inter-agency communication lines).

Armed with this data, we developed a quantum security strategy tailored to law enforcement needs. A key first step was raising awareness: we held workshops and briefings for the agency’s cyber teams and executives to explain the quantum threat timeline and urgency, making sure quantum risk was recognized in their enterprise risk register. We then outlined a multi-phase roadmap. In the immediate term, we recommended hardening systems with available measures (for instance, implementing longer encryption keys and crypto-agile software updates in their communication systems to allow easy migration to new algorithms). We also assisted in updating policies to embed quantum-safe practices, such as requiring any new technology procurements (e.g. digital radios, evidence management software) to be PQC-ready or support plug-in replacements for cryptography.

For the mid-term, we prioritized a cryptographic upgrade path: for example, planning the transition of their secure email and data storage to post-quantum algorithms once standards are finalized. We even explored the feasibility of introducing a quantum key distribution (QKD) pilot on a fiber link between the headquarters and a regional office that handles high-value intelligence, to demonstrate ultra-secure communication leveraging quantum physics. Additionally, we helped establish an internal Quantum Working Group to champion these initiatives, bringing together IT, security, and operational personnel. We provided this team with training and detailed guidelines, including setting key performance indicators (KPIs) – such as number of critical systems upgraded or staff trained – to track progress over the coming years.

Outcome

The law enforcement agency now has a clear understanding of its quantum vulnerability and a concrete plan to address it. After our engagement, the agency’s leadership formally adopted the quantum readiness roadmap and allocated budget to execute the first phase. As a result, several quick wins were achieved: for instance, their secure communications unit has already upgraded the encryption on inter-agency data links to hybrid schemes (combining classical and quantum-resistant encryption) to protect against “harvest-now, decrypt-later” threats. The initial QKD trial we facilitated was a success – it allowed the agency to securely exchange encryption keys between two facilities with theoretically unbreakable security, an experiment that built confidence and know-how for possibly scaling such technology when it becomes more practical.

Moreover, quantum risk management is now embedded in the agency’s culture. The newly formed Quantum Working Group meets regularly to oversee ongoing improvements, and the topic is included in regular risk briefings to top officials. While the full journey to quantum-proof all systems will span multiple years (and likely evolve as technology does), the agency has completed a critical first step. It is no longer in the dark about quantum threats; instead, it’s seen as a forward-thinking organization among its government peers, actively working to ensure criminals and adversaries cannot exploit future quantum capabilities to outsmart law enforcement.