Securing India’s Cyberspace From Quantum Techniques : Daily Current Affairs

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.

Quantum Cryptography

  • Quantum cryptography is the science of exploiting quantum mechanical properties to perform cryptographic tasks
  • The advantage of quantum cryptography lies in the fact that it allows the completion of various cryptographic tasks that are proven or conjectured to be impossible using only classical (i.e. non-quantum) communication.
  • Applications of Quantum Cryptography
    • Quantum Cryptography is mainly used in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) applications but its other applications include:
      • Mistrustful quantum cryptography
      • Quantum coin flipping
      • Quantum commitment

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  • Current protocols like the RSA will quickly become outdated and vulnerable to quantum cyberattacks that can potentially breach any hardened target.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.

Indian efforts in the field of Quantum Tech

  • India has launched National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA) to comprehensively address all the verticals and leapfrog India in this crucial & niche area of Quantum Technology as a whole.
    • In 2019, the Centre declared quantum technology a “mission of national importance”.
    • The Union Budget 2020-21 had proposed to spend Rs 8,000 crore on the newly launched National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications.
  • Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) has been working with startups and industry to leverage the QKD.
  • Initiatives such as Open Challenge of iDEX have provided a launching pad to the startup ecosystem including the QNu Labs, the firm responsible for designing QKD for the army.
  • Similarly other premier institutions of the country such as DRDO, IIT Delhi, ISRO, C-DOT etc are working in the field of QKD with encouraging results and success.
    • In February 2022, a joint team of DRDO and IIT-Delhi successfully demonstrated a QKD link between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal located 100 kilometers apart.

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).