Quantum-Safe Cryptography and Digital Security
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
The transition to quantum-safe digital ecosystems is critical for national security, protecting critical infrastructure (financial services, power grids, defence), ensuring data privacy, and maintaining India's digital sovereignty in the face of evolving technological threats. It involves significant policy, budgetary, and human capital challenges.
Quantum-safe cryptography refers to cryptographic methods designed to resist attacks from quantum computers, which pose a significant future threat to current public-key encryption standards. This field encompasses solutions like Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), crucial for securing digital ecosystems against advanced computational threats.
Facts & tables
- Quantum Threat
- Quantum computers, using algorithms like Shor's, can break current public-key cryptography (e.g., RSA, ECC) that secures online identity and communications.
- Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
- Software-based solutions running on conventional computers, designed to be resistant to quantum attacks.
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
- A hardware-based method using quantum mechanics to establish highly secure cryptographic keys, offering higher security assurances but with operational complexities.
- Q-Day
- The hypothetical point when quantum computers become powerful enough to practically endanger current public-key cryptography.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Science & Technology |
| Conceptual area | Internal Security |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Department of Science & Technology (DST) | Recommends/formulates policy |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Terminology-based question
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- Quantum computers threaten current public-key crypto (Shor's algorithm).
- PQC: Software-based, quantum-resistant, runs on classical computers.
- QKD: Hardware-based, uses quantum mechanics for highly secure key exchange.
- Migration challenges: cost (₹5,000 crore), legacy infrastructure, human capital.
- Critical for national security, finance, power grids, defence.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2022 | Conceptual understanding, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2020 | Terminology-based question, Factual recall |
| 2019 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2018 | Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question |
| 2017 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2016 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2015 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
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Science & Technology
Conceptual area
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Internal Security
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2015
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2016
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2017
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2018
Conceptual understanding, Terminology-based question
-
Prelims 2019
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2020
Terminology-based question, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2022
Conceptual understanding, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Quantum-safe thinking: on the new DST Task Force report
Quantum-safe cryptography is essential for future digital security, addressing the threat posed by quantum computers to current encryption. Key solutions include PQC (software-based, quantum-resistant) and QKD (hardware-based, quantum-mechanics for key exchange), both requiring strategic migration and investment.
See also
No related topics linked yet.
Past papers
2015–2025 · 6 questions
In the news
Quantum-safe thinking: on the new DST Task Force report
Quantum-safe cryptography is essential for future digital security, addressing the threat posed by quantum computers to current encryption. Key solutions include PQC (software-based, quantum-resistant) and QKD (hardware-based, quantum-mechanics for key exchange), both requiring strategic migration and investment.
Try these PYQs
In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of
In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" (PKI) is used in the context of digital security infrastructure. PKI is a system that facilitates secure electronic communication and transactions by using digital certificates, certificate authorities, and other related components. It plays a vital role in ensuring the authenticity, confidentiality, and integrity of data exchanged online.
With reference to ‘Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields
2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other
3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement 1 is correct. Near Field Communication (NFC) is indeed a contactless communication technology that relies on electromagnetic radio fields to transmit data between devices in close proximity. Statement 2 is incorrect. NFC operates over a very short range, typically requiring devices to be within a few centimetres of each other for successful communication. A meter is far too large a distance for NFC to function effectively. Statement 3 is correct. NFC can employ encryption to safeguard sensitive information during transmission. This is an important security feature for applications like contactless payments.
GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
✅ Statement I: Correct
*GAGAN is an Indian SBAS developed by ISRO and AAI to enhance GPS accuracy and integrity, crucial for aviation safety.* ✅ Statement II: Correct
*It improves GPS reliability and accuracy, enabling better air traffic management and safer, efficient navigation.* ❌ Statement III: Incorrect
*GAGAN’s benefits extend beyond aviation to railways, roadways, maritime, agriculture, and disaster management.* Correct Answer: Only Statements I and II are correct.
With reference to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), consider the following statements.
1. They enable the digital representation of physical assets.
2. They are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain.
3. They can be traded or exchanged at equivalency and therefore can be used as a medium of commercial transactions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 is correct. NFTs can be associated with digital assets like artwork, music, or videos. They act as a certificate of ownership for these digital items. Statement 2 is correct. NFTs are unique cryptographic tokens stored on a blockchain, a secure digital ledger. This ensures transparency and traceability of ownership. Statement 3 is incorrect. NFTs are not fungible, meaning they are not interchangeable like currencies. Each NFT has unique properties and value, unlike a dollar bill where one can be replaced by another. While NFTs can be traded, their value depends on individual characteristics and market demand, making them unsuitable for everyday transactions like buying groceries.
Consider the following statements:
A digital signature is
1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it
2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet
3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect. A digital signature doesn't directly identify the certifying authority that issued it. It uses a complex cryptographic process involving a public-key infrastructure (PKI) where a trusted third party (Certificate Authority) verifies the signer's identity and issues a digital certificate used for creating the signature. Statement 2 is incorrect. While digital signatures can be used for authentication purposes in certain scenarios, they are not the primary method for user identification when accessing information or servers on the internet. Usernames, passwords, and other credentials are more commonly used. Statement 3 is correct. It ensures the integrity of an electronic document by creating a unique digital fingerprint that is linked to the content. Any alteration to the document would invalidate the signature.
Show 3 more PYQs
When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to the office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a- message to your office accordingly.
In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following term best applies to the above scenario?
The scenario described involves various devices (smartphone, geyser, smart mirror, refrigerator, car, etc.) communicating with each other and with the user, and automatically performing tasks based on certain triggers. This is characteristic of the Internet of Things (IoT). Option B is correct: Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Option A is incorrect: Border Gateway Protocol is a protocol used to exchange routing information across the internet and is not relevant to the scenario described. Option C is incorrect: Internet Protocol is a set of rules for sending and receiving messages at the Internet address level, but it doesn't cover the broad range of device intercommunication described in the scenario. Option D is incorrect: A Virtual Private Network is a technology for using the internet or another intermediate network to connect computers to isolated remote computer networks that would otherwise be inaccessible, which also doesn't fit the scenario.
In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cybersecurity incidents?
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
In India, section 70-B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (the IT Act) gives the Central Government the power to appoint an agency of the government to be called the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team. Further, it is legally mandatory for service providers, data centres and body corporates to report on cybersecurity incidents as outlined in the Information Technology (The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and Manner of Performing Functions and Duties) Rules, 2013, which were notified under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Statement 1 is correct: DigiLocker is a cloud-based digital locker system launched by the Government of India under the Digital India Programme. Its primary objective is to reduce reliance on physical documents by providing secure digital storage and access to e-documents issued by government departments, educational institutions, and other entities. Statement 2 is correct: DigiLocker enables users to access their electronic documents (e-documents) anytime, anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. This enhances convenience, eliminates the need to carry physical documents, and ensures secure and verifiable digital storage. Therefore, both statements are correct.