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QTS-09.5: Deprecated Cryptographic Algorithms

QTS 7 — High Protect

Mechanisms exist to identify and disallow quantum-vulnerable and otherwise deprecated cryptographic algorithms.

Control Question: Does the organization identify and disallow quantum-vulnerable and otherwise deprecated cryptographic algorithms?

General (1)
Framework Mapping Values
NIST CSWP 39 5.2
EMEA (1)
Framework Mapping Values
EMEA EU DORA RTS 2024 Article 6.4

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

Quantum Security (QTS) domain capabilities are ad hoc and inconsistent. Capability criteria associated with this control may include:

Level 2 — Planned & Tracked

Quantum Security (QTS) capabilities are requirements-driven, but are not standardized across the entity (e.g., local/regional level consistency). 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. ▪ Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP) associated with QTS domain capabilities are documented and maintained by process owners.

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 identify and disallow quantum-vulnerable and otherwise deprecated cryptographic algorithms.

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

  1. QTS-09.5_A01 quantum-vulnerable and otherwise deprecated cryptographic algorithms are prohibited from being used.

Evidence Requirements

E-QTS-08 Approved / Deprecated Algorithm List

Documented evidence of an approved / deprecated algorithm list.

Quantum Security

Technology Recommendations

Micro/Small

  • Disable RC4, DES, 3DES and MD5 in systems and services
  • Enforce TLS 1.2 minimum (disable TLS 1.0/1.1)
  • Reference NIST SP 800-131A for deprecated algorithm guidance

Small

  • Deprecated algorithm disablement per NIST SP 800-131A
  • TLS 1.2 minimum enforcement
  • Retire RSA-1024 and similar weak key sizes

Medium

  • Deprecated algorithm disablement across all systems
  • NIST SP 800-131A and SP 800-57 compliance
  • Vulnerability scanning for deprecated algorithm detection

Large

  • Formal deprecated algorithm disablement program
  • Automated scanning for deprecated cryptographic use
  • NIST SP 800-131A compliance tracking

Enterprise

  • Enterprise deprecated algorithm removal program
  • Automated detection and alerting for deprecated algorithm use
  • NIST SP 800-131A and CNSA 2.0 compliance enforcement
  • Continuous monitoring for deprecated algorithm introduction

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