In a push to secure India’s growing digital economy from the looming threat of quantum computing, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday released a whitepaper that lays out a plan for transitioning to quantum-resilient cybersecurity systems.
Titled “Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness”, the paper, launched jointly with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and cybersecurity firm SISA, calls on public and private organisations to start identifying vulnerabilities in encryption systems that protect sensitive data, public services, and national security infrastructure.
India’s rapid shift towards digital payments and online governance has made cybersecurity a pressing concern. Quantum computing, which is advancing from labs to real-world use, is expected to break conventional encryption methods like RSA and ECC within the decade, experts warn.
‘Strategic Imperative’
“Quantum readiness is a strategic imperative as we prepare for the disruptive potential of quantum technologies,” S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said at the launch in Delhi. He called for building resilience into ICT systems with “clarity and agility.”
The paper details how organisations can analyse risks, adopt quantum-resistant algorithms, and update security frameworks without disrupting operations. It also urges critical sectors — such as finance, defence, and health — to prioritise the transition.
CERT-In Director General Sanjay Bahl said quantum computing would “fundamentally change the threat landscape”, adding that the partnership with SISA shows why public-private collaboration is key to staying ahead of emerging threats.
Dharshan Shanthamurthy, CEO of SISA, described quantum computing as the biggest shift in cybersecurity in three decades. “What we are dealing with is not just a faster computer but a complete redefinition of computational boundaries. Our legacy systems are vulnerable by design in a quantum context,” he said.
Guiding Next Steps
The whitepaper combines technical advice with practical steps for regulated sectors such as BFSI, healthcare and government. It aims to help organisations begin their quantum-safe migration while maintaining compliance and business continuity.
CERT-In, which is India’s nodal agency for handling cybersecurity threats under the IT Act, will play a key role in issuing guidelines and coordinating responses.
SISA, a payment security solutions firm, said its forensic insights would support enterprises in protecting data at the deepest levels as they move towards post-quantum security standards.
With this roadmap, India joins a growing group of countries stepping up preparations for the disruptive impact of quantum technologies on cybersecurity.
