Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

Support our Journalism

9th Anniversary: Free Tote & Mug

Warfare is moving into the quantum age. Why India must turn focus to post-quantum cryptography

Institutionalising post-quantum cryptography across defence, power grids, banking, and urban infrastructure is not optional — it is existential.

The Defence Acquisition Council last week approved the installation of the Defence Forces Secure Access Card system. It will replace the existing paper-based identity cards, passes, and permits with an interoperable radio frequency identification-based smart card system. Implying that the system will eventually digitalise the identification system making it more robust and fake proof, it’s a step in the right direction indeed. However, any new introduction of technology has a flip side, unless it’s safeguarded with equal zeal. 

Every individual today possesses two identities: a physical identity and a digital one. A military commander can currently enter a defence headquarters, network centre, or war room using biometrics or physical verification by presenting a valid identity card. Login into machines still requires standard passwords. 

However, as technology advances, physical identity will be entirely replaced by digital identity. And, if an adversary interferes with your digital identity, you can be barred from entering any sensitive installation even though you are otherwise authorised — you simply become no one, ceasing to exist digitally. In essence, you have been murdered digitally.

As military and civilian infrastructure increasingly relies on biometric authentication and digital credentials, adversaries with the capability to compromise or spoof these systems can bar authorised personnel from defence........

© ThePrint