QTS-08: Quantum Threat Intelligence Monitoring
Mechanisms exist to maintain an ongoing quantum threat intelligence function that monitors: (1) Cryptanalytic threat developments; (2) Quantum computing capability advances; and (3) NIST and/or regulatory updates to approved algorithm lists.
Control Question: Does the organization maintain an ongoing quantum threat intelligence function that monitors: (1) Cryptanalytic threat developments; (2) Quantum computing capability advances; and (3) NIST and/or regulatory updates to approved algorithm lists?
EMEA (1)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| EMEA Germany C5 2026 | CRY-01.02AC.2 |
Capability Maturity Model
Level 0 — Not Performed
Practices are non-existent, based on the inability to demonstrate an implemented and operational capability. A reasonable person would conclude the control is not being performed.
Level 1 — Performed Informally
SCR-CMM Level 1 criteria definitions are not available for this control: ▪ A reasonable person would conclude this control requires a structured process. ▪ At this level of maturity, the "ad hoc" nature of performing a capability informally would indicate the intent of the control is not met due to a lack of consistency and formality.
Level 2 — Planned & Tracked
SCR-CMM Level 2 criteria definitions are not available for this control: ▪ A reasonable person would conclude a well-defined and standardized process is required. ▪ At this level of maturity, the “requirements-driven” nature of performing the control is focused on a localized and/or regionalized implementation, not uniform and consistent across the organization. ▪ Requirements are narrowly scoped for applicability and are primarily derived from compliance obligations (e.g., laws, regulations and contracts).
Level 3 — Well Defined
Quantum Security (QTS) capabilities are standardized across the entity for applicability to People, Processes, Technologies, Data and/or Facilities (PPTDF) to ensure consistency for Technology Assets, Applications, Services and/or Data (TAASD). Capability criteria associated with this control reasonably expect the following criteria to exist: ▪ Policies and standards associated with QTS domain capabilities are formally documented and centrally-managed by the entity's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) team, or similar function. ▪ Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP) associated with QTS domain capabilities are well-documented and kept current by process owners. ▪ A risk management team, or similar function, is appropriately staffed and supported to implement and maintain QTS domain capabilities. ▪ Technology is leveraged to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of risk management operations (e.g., risk management solution, GRC platform and TPRM tool). ▪ The entity's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) team, or similar function, works with business stakeholders and process owners to appropriately scope and reasonably implement cybersecurity and data protection controls associated with QTS domain capabilities to address Minimum Compliance Requirements (MCR) (e.g., applicable statutory, regulatory and/or contractual requirements) and Discretionary Security Requirements (DSR) (e.g., entity-required controls). ▪ An implemented and operational capability exists to maintain an ongoing quantum threat intelligence function that monitors: (1) Cryptanalytic threat developments; (2) Quantum computing capability advances; and (3) NIST and/or regulatory updates to approved algorithm lists.
Level 4 — Quantitatively Controlled
Utilize SCR-CMM Level 3 criteria definitions: ▪ There are no defined Level 4 criteria, since it is reasonable to assume a quantitatively-controlled process is not necessary to operationalize this control. ▪ While it may be possible to develop “metrics-driven” capabilities for this control, the criteria would be organization-specific to define.
Level 5 — Continuously Improving
Utilize SCR-CMM Level 3 or Level 4 (if available) criteria definitions: ▪ There are no defined Level 5 criteria, since it is reasonable to assume a continuously-improving process is not necessary to operationalize this control. ▪ Level 5 capabilities should be considered “world-class” where the control builds on Level 4 capabilities, but are continuously improving through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Learning (ML) technologies. ▪ While it may be possible to develop responsive capabilities for this control through the use of AI and/or ML technologies, the criteria would be organization-specific to define.
Assessment Objectives
- QTS-08_A01 a quantum threat intelligence function is established.
- QTS-08_A02 the function monitors cryptanalytic threat developments.
- QTS-08_A03 the function monitors quantum computing capability advances.
- QTS-08_A04 the function monitors NIST and/or regulatory updates to approved algorithm lists.
Evidence Requirements
- E-QTS-10 Cryptographic Telemetry
-
Documented evidence of situational awareness dashboards for cryptographic telemetry (e.g., SIEM/XDR dashboards).
Quantum Security - E-THR-03 Threat Intelligence Feeds (TIF)
-
Documented evidence of threat intelligence feeds.
Threat Management
Technology Recommendations
Micro/Small
- Subscribe to NIST and CISA PQC update notifications (https://csrc.nist.gov/pqc)
Small
- NIST and CISA PQC update subscriptions
- Relevant industry group newsletters or alerts
Medium
- Dedicated quantum threat intelligence monitoring
- NIST, CISA, and NSA PQC guidance tracking
- Industry-specific quantum security working groups
Large
- Quantum threat intelligence function within threat intelligence program
- Monitoring of cryptanalytic advances and quantum computing milestones
- NIST algorithm update tracking
Enterprise
- Dedicated quantum threat intelligence capability
- Monitoring of academic, regulatory, and vendor quantum developments
- Integration with enterprise threat intelligence platform
- Regular quantum threat briefings to leadership