Quantum Cyber Readiness Whitepaper Released by MeitY
Why in the news
A new whitepaper guides Indian institutions on securing digital systems against future quantum attacks.
Key facts
- Threat: quantum machines may break RSA and ECC.
- Risk flagged: harvest now, decrypt later, where data taken today is decoded later.
- Quantum cyber readiness means preparedness to secure digital infrastructure against quantum threats.
Recommendations
| Theme | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Migration | Step-wise PQC adoption with NIST-approved algorithms; audit cryptographic assets |
| Sectors | BFSI, healthcare, defence, critical infrastructure |
| Resilience | Hybrid cryptography during transition, continuous monitoring, threat-intelligence sharing |
| Collaboration | Government, tech firms, academia, industry; indigenous R&D |
Significance
- Protects citizen data as digital public infrastructure expands.
- Fits India’s Cyber Security Policy Vision and NIST, ISO and ITU standards.
Exam angle
- Terms: PQC, RSA, ECC, harvest now decrypt later.