Released by: Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), CERT-In, and SISA
Title: Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness
Purpose: To guide India’s public and private institutions in adapting to quantum-resilient cybersecurity frameworks.
What is Quantum Cyber Readiness?
Quantum cyber readiness refers to a nation’s preparedness to secure its digital infrastructure against threats posed by quantum computers, which are capable of breaking current encryption standards such as RSA and ECC.
Key Highlights of the Whitepaper
Risk Assessment of Quantum Threats
- Warns that quantum computing could render existing cryptographic algorithms obsolete, especially RSA and ECC.
- Urges immediate planning to counter “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where encrypted data is collected today for decryption when quantum computers become viable.
Migration Roadmap to Quantum-Resilient Encryption
- Step-by-step guidance for adopting post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
- Encourages the integration of NIST-approved quantum-safe algorithms.
- Suggests inventory audits of current cryptographic assets and vulnerability assessments.
Sector-Specific Strategies
- Offers tailored frameworks for high-impact sectors:
- Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)
- Healthcare
- Defence
- Critical Infrastructure
- Prioritises early adoption of quantum-safe solutions in regulatory-sensitive and data-heavy environments.
Quantum Cyber Resilience Framework
- Proposes a proactive defence approach for national digital infrastructure.
- Encourages deployment of hybrid cryptographic models during transition phases.
- Recommends continuous monitoring, threat intelligence sharing, and periodic testing of quantum readiness.
Public-Private Collaboration
- Calls for a coordinated effort between government, tech providers, academia, and industry stakeholders.
- Emphasises capacity building, skill development, and indigenous R&D in quantum-safe technologies.
Why It Matters for India
- As India advances in digital public infrastructure (DPI), securing citizen data and services is paramount.
- The whitepaper ensures that India does not fall behind in the global race toward post-quantum cybersecurity.
- Aligns with India’s Cyber Security Policy Vision and global standards under discussion by NIST, ISO, and ITU.
