India’s Cyberspace security concerns are rising as the globe moves closer to a time. It is when quantum physics applications in crucial fields will be commonplace. To address these issues, India requires a comprehensive strategy with a focus on post-quantum cybersecurity.
The threat of quantum cyberattacks on India’s digital infrastructure is already subject to a barrage of attacks by state-sponsored Chinese hackers. It will be exacerbated by China’s quantum advances. Before that let us find out why cyberspace in cyber security is trending and how can India take a stand.
Cyberspace in Cyber Security: What this means?
Since the inception of the internet, cyberspace has become an integral part of our daily lives. As our dependence on internet-connected devices has increased, so has the importance of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting electronic information from unauthorized access or theft. In the past, cybersecurity was primarily concerned with protecting government and military computers from hackers. However, in today’s connected world, everyone is a potential target for cybercrime.
The Different Types of Cybercrime
Cybercrime involves making ware from the unlawful act in cyberspace. The communication devices or networks are Cyberattacks that can come in the form of viruses, malware, phishing scams, and more. Common crimes in practice are:
- Phishing
- Smishing
- SIM Swap Scam
- Online Job Fraud
- Online Sextortion
- Spamming
- Ransomware
- Cyber Stalking
- Cyber Bullying
- Credit /Debit Card Fraud
The landscape of cybersecurity has changed dramatically in recent years, and businesses and individuals must be vigilant to protect themselves from the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.
Insights of cyber security news associated with Quantum Technology:
In September, there were rumors that the Indian Army was working on cryptography methods. These methods will help to protect its networks from attacks by devices with quantum capabilities.
The Army has been working with companies and academic institutions to develop solutions for secure communications and cryptography. This effort expands on a plan from the previous year to establish a quantum computing facility at the Military Engineering School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
The use of “quantum-resistant” systems has become imperative. It is due to the vulnerability of conventional encryption models and the growing number of military applications of quantum technology.
This is the reason why updating the quantum cryptography-resistant current encryption standards. The RSA and other current protocols will rapidly become obsolete. This implies that quantum cyberattacks have the potential to penetrate even the most resistant targets. creating a serious weakness in the current digital infrastructure. Making these systems hack-proof will cost a lot of money.
India will need to take aggressive measures to address this issue as a cyber danger. Majorly associated with quantum computing, amplified by some countries’ leadership in this field.
The US National Quantum Initiative Act has already set aside $1.2 billion for research into quantum technology’s potential for the military.
The fact that China currently has two of the fastest quantum computers in the world is especially concerning for India.
In February 2022, a combined team from the Defence Research and Development Organization and IIT-Delhi successfully demonstrated a QKD link between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal at UP. Therefore, India is making progress, although slowly and steadily.
The threat of Quantum cybercrimes
The threat of quantum cyberattacks against India’s digital infrastructure, which already endures a deluge of assaults from Chinese state-sponsored hackers, is increased by China’s quantum advancements. India’s reliance on imported equipment, especially Chinese equipment, is another weakness. Consequently, the topic of how to make India’s cyberspace resilient arises.
Quantum technology was deemed a “mission of national importance” by the Centre in 2019. Spending Rs 8,000 crore on the recently established National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications was recommended in the Union Budget 2020–21. A considerable emphasis on protecting cyberspace against quantum attacks must be added to this.
India’s progress in Quantum technology
As of now, India is relatively unprepared to deal with quantum cyberattacks. India might consider purchasing the US National Security Agency’s (NSA) Suite B Cryptography Quantum-Resistant Suite as its official encryption system. For their cyber suite, the NSA is developing new, quantum-resistant algorithms. In this way, India will be able to switch officially to quantum-resistant algorithms.
The Indian Defence establishment may want to take into consideration adopting the cryptographic norms. It is established by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This has created several encryption technologies to combat quantum computer attacks.
To set up a post-quantum cryptographic standard, it has developed four algorithms. Using these technical measures, India needs to begin its national initiatives to create quantum-resistant systems.
For this, the government can support and promote already-existing open-source projects. Also, in post-quantum cryptography, the Open Quantum Safe project takes an active role. It is a global initiative for developing and implementing quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms that were launched in 2016.
US-India Quantum resistant bond
Two, the nation ought to begin putting capabilities in place for quantum-resistant communications. It is particularly for vital strategic fields.
Long-distance QKDs can be prioritized to provide secure communications.
Defending critical intelligence from potential quantum cyberattacks, particularly when connecting military outposts for sensitive communications.
In the long run, this can assist in creating a national communication network.
It will also provide An integration with quantum cryptography systems. This will guard cyberspace against any transnational quantum cyberattack.
Final note
Finally, India can pool resources and lessen emerging quantum cyber dangers by forming diplomatic ties with other “techno-democracies” – nations with strong technological industries, sophisticated economies, and a commitment to liberal democracy.
Cyberspace in cyber security concerns is rising as the globe moves closer to a time. Quantum physics applications in crucial fields will be commonplace. India must approach these problems from various angles. The emphasis on post-quantum cybersecurity should be the main component of this strategy.
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