Date: 18/10/2022

Relevance: GS-3: Cybersecurity- Issues and challenges, Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Key Phrases: Cryptographic Techniques, Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Open Quantum Safe Project, “Quantum-resistant” systems, Secure Communication technology, Cybersecurity in defence.

Context:

• Some reports suggest that the Indian Army is developing cryptographic techniques to make its networks resistant to attacks by systems with quantum capabilities.
• The Army has collaborated with industry and academia to build secure communications and cryptography applications.
• Last year the army had established a quantum computing laboratory at the military engineering institute in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.

Need for “Quantum-resistant” systems

• Traditional encryption models are at risk and increasing military applications of quantum technology demand highly secure systems.
• Current encryption standards can be broken by quantum cryptography so requires upgradation.
• Current protocols like the RSA will quickly become outdated and vulnerable to quantum cyberattacks that can potentially breach any hardened target.
• Securing existing digital infrastructure and hack proofing these systems will require considerable investments.

Cyberspace vulnerability to Quantum Tech is a challenge

• Cyber risks arising from quantum computing are accentuated by the lead taken by some nations in this sector.
• The US National Quantum Initiative Act has already allocated $1.2 billion for research in defense-related quantum technology.
• China now hosts two of the world’s fastest quantum computers which is a cause of concern for India.
  • India already faces a barrage of attacks from Chinese state-sponsored hackers.
  • These advances of China in quantum computing expand the spectre of quantum cyberattacks against India’s digital infrastructure
  • India’s dependence on foreign, particularly Chinese hardware, is an additional vulnerability.

How to make India’s cyberspace resilient?

• India has very few capabilities in developing advanced systems capable of withstanding quantum cyberattacks.
• Procurement of NSA Quantum Resistant Suite
  • India can procure the United States National Security Agency’s (NSA) Suite B Cryptography Quantum-Resistant Suite as its official encryption mechanism.
  • The NSA is developing new algorithms for their cypher suite that are resistant to quantum cyberattacks.
  • This can facilitate India’s official transition to quantum-resistant algorithms.
• Emulating NIST cryptographic standards
  • The Indian defense establishment can emulate the cryptographic standards set by the US’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
  • The NIST tools can handle quantum computer attacks and can use algorithms to frame a post-quantum cryptographic standard.
• Focus on collaboration
  • India can adopt these and start its national initiatives to develop quantum-resistant systems.
  • The government can fund and encourage existing open-source projects related to post-quantum cryptography.
  • Active participation in the Open Quantum Safe Project, a global initiative started in 2016 for prototyping and integrating quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms.
• Focus on Implementation and Indigenization
  • India should start implementing and developing capabilities in quantum-resistant communications, specifically for critical strategic sectors.
  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKDs) over long distances for connecting military outposts for sensitive communications, can be prioritized.
  • It will ensure secure communications whilst protecting key intelligence from potential quantum cyberattacks.
• Diplomatic partnerships with other “techno-democracies”
  • India can use its diplomatic resources to establish partnerships with countries with top technology sectors, advanced economies, and a commitment to liberal democracy.
  • It can help India pool resources and mitigate emerging quantum cyber threats.

Way forward

• The focus on development of modern “Quantum-resistant” systems can establish a nationwide communication network integrated with quantum cryptographic systems.
  • Thereby protecting cyberspace from any cross-border quantum cyber offensive.
• India is the world’s largest defence equipment importer and is expected to spend around USD 220 Billion in the coming decade to modernize its armed forces.
• Quantum technology and its applications such as QKD can help in achieving India’s goal of self-reliance and boost its defence capabilities and thus reducing its reliance on the west or other countries.
• The world is moving towards an era in which the applications of quantum physics in strategic domains will soon become a reality, increasing cybersecurity risks.
• India needs a holistic approach to tackle these challenges and at the heart of this approach should be the focus on post-quantum cybersecurity.

Source: Indian Express

Mains Question:

Q. “Applications of quantum physics in strategic domains is a reality”, In light of the statement, describe the challenges posed by modern quantum technologies to cyberspace. How can India make its cyberspace more resilient to secure its strategic interests? (250 words).