Quantum-safe thinking: on the new DST Task Force report

The article discusses a new DST Task Force report on making India's digital ecosystems quantum-safe. It highlights the long-term but urgent threat posed by quantum computers, which could break current public-key cryptography using algorithms like Shor's. The report recommends adopting Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standards and, for higher security, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). It advises India to begin migrating critical infrastructure, financial services, power grids, and defence systems to these new architectures, allocating ₹5,000 crore, upgrading legacy systems, rationalizing vendor dependence, and fostering human capital, even if 'Q-day' (when quantum computers practically endanger cryptography) is further away than anticipated.