New Delhi : In a bold move to secure its rapidly expanding digital infrastructure, India has taken a strategic leap toward quantum-safe cybersecurity. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and cybersecurity firm SISA, released a comprehensive whitepaper titled “Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness” in New Delhi today.
The whitepaper is designed to guide India’s transition into a quantum-resilient era, helping the nation maintain its edge as a digital-first economy while safeguarding national security, critical data, and financial systems against emerging threats posed by quantum computing.
A Timely Response to a Looming Quantum Threat
Quantum computing, once a theoretical concept, is now becoming a disruptive force in global cybersecurity. Traditional encryption methods—such as RSA and ECC—form the backbone of current digital security but are predicted to become obsolete in the face of quantum decryption capabilities.
Launching the whitepaper, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, stated:
“Quantum readiness is a strategic imperative as we prepare for the disruptive potential of quantum technologies, especially in cybersecurity. This whitepaper offers a timely framework to begin building resilient ICT infrastructures with clarity and agility.”
What the Whitepaper Offers
The document provides a strategic blueprint for public and private organizations to:
- Identify vulnerabilities in existing cryptographic systems.
- Begin transitioning to quantum-resistant encryption methods.
- Maintain operational continuity while integrating new security protocols.
- Focus on high-risk areas such as national security infrastructure, public service data, and financial transactions.
Tailored especially for sectors such as banking, healthcare, defense, and government services, the whitepaper combines technical guidance with policy recommendations for secure digital transformation.
Emphasis on Public-Private Partnership
Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, highlighted the value of collaboration:
“Quantum computing will fundamentally alter the cyber threat landscape. This partnership with SISA shows the strength of public-private collaboration in building national cyber resilience.”
Dharshan Shanthamurthy, CEO of SISA, echoed this sentiment, calling quantum computing the “greatest cybersecurity shift in over three decades.”
“Our digital trust frameworks were not built for quantum-level threats. India, as a digital-first nation, must act now to protect what matters most—its data. This initiative equips organizations with cryptographic strategies that are not just future-proof but mission-critical.”
India’s Position in the Global Cybersecurity Landscape
India’s digital transformation—especially in digital payments and e-governance—has earned it a leading role on the global stage. But with this growth comes heightened responsibility to secure digital assets and citizens’ data. This whitepaper signifies India’s commitment to proactively navigating future risks.
India has also become one of the first nations to institutionalize quantum preparedness at a national level, reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking digital power.
About CERT-In
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is the national agency for cybersecurity incident management under the Information Technology Act, 2000. It issues advisories, coordinates incident response, and develops national cybersecurity preparedness. Visit: www.cert-in.org.in
About SISA
SISA is a global leader in cybersecurity solutions for digital payments and a certified Global Payment Forensic Investigator. With a presence in over 40 countries, SISA protects over 1,000 organizations from evolving cyber threats.
With the launch of this whitepaper, India has taken a vital step toward ensuring that its digital future remains secure, resilient, and quantum-ready—a testament to its leadership in both innovation and preparedness in the digital age.
